Council declines to override veto on Wyatt Street sale amid questions over process and underage applicant

The Wausau Common Council on May 20 voted 9–1 against overturning Mayor’s veto of a resolution that would have authorized sale of city-owned property at 208–214 Wyatt Street, a matter that councilors said raised procedural and transparency concerns.

Alder Neil Larson, speaking in support of the original sale, said the transaction would relieve the city of long-term maintenance costs and enable redevelopment, though he acknowledged he had not known at the time of his first vote that the prospective buyer might be a minor. He said federal monies tied to cleanup had helped make the deal feasible.

The veto and follow-up discussion focused on whether the city followed its property-disposition process and whether staff sufficiently vetted the applicant. Alder Brandy McElhaney said she had repeatedly requested clarifying information from Economic Development staff and “got 0 answers,” and that she sought a review to demonstrate to residents that proper procedure was followed. Alder Lisa Lukens warned against public accusations of wrongdoing and urged members to work professionally with staff.

Alder Paul DeKillian asked the city attorney for procedural clarity; City Attorney Jacobson explained that the applicant had submitted a written withdrawal about an hour before the meeting and that, in any event, the veto returned the matter to the pre-vote status. Alder Mike Rasmussen said the withdrawal and the veto together made the override “moot.”

Several council members pressed for clearer vetting when the city markets or disposes of property. Alder Veil and others said the city must verify developer identity, financing and track record before approving sales. Alder Killian said the property-disposition policy requires posting or realtor listing for 30 days before review when restricted funds are involved; he said ED staff later advised the property had been posted in 2020 and removed in 2022 when staff considered developing it themselves.

Tom Killian, a representative of Citizens for a Clean Wausau, addressed the council during public comment and said residents had previously raised HUD concerns in 2023 about floodplain management tied to work on that site. He said HUD Region 5 had found the residents’ objections valid and would not approve a city release of funds until the city addressed those regulatory requirements.

The council declined to override the veto; the mayor said a review of the circumstances would occur and staff would return with recommendations to improve processes if needed. The applicant’s written withdrawal means no sale will proceed at this time.