Trustees order topographic surveys for proposed public-safety site and move forward on negotiations for 550 Hartbrook Drive

The Village Board of Hartland approved topographical and boundary-plat surveys for two properties under consideration for a consolidated public-safety and municipal facility and, after a closed session negotiation, instructed staff to move forward with an offer to acquire the parcel listed as 550 Hartbrook Drive from Waukesha State Bank.

Survey authorization: Village consultants delivering the building-needs study told the board the next technical step is site surveys. The board voted to proceed with topographic and boundary surveys for 550 Hartbrook Drive and 150 Lawn Street so designers can refine foundation elevations, flood-plain constraints and grading. Consultants said the bowling-alley site (150 Lawn Street) yields a more rectangular, cost-efficient building footprint than the previously discussed municipal site, which can reduce building complexity.

Purchase negotiation: Trustees entered closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(e) to deliberate acquisition of 550 Hartbrook Drive pursuant to a prior resolution of necessity. After returning to open session, trustees moved and approved a motion to proceed with the offer discussed in closed session to Waukesha State Bank for the parcel at 550 Hartbrook Drive. The precise offer amount was not clearly recorded in the public transcript; the board approved moving forward with the negotiated amount discussed in closed session.

Budget discussion and next steps: Board members and the consultant reviewed budget ranges developed during the study. Trustees noted earlier budget estimates ranged roughly from the mid-$20 millions to as high as near-$30 million depending on site, scope and inclusion of land costs. Several trustees said they want the project to stay near the previously discussed $30 million target and asked staff and the design team to work to refine design choices where possible to keep costs manageable. Consultants said survey results, final elevations and firming up contracts will give more accurate construction estimates; trustees directed staff to return with firm numbers and to continue working with the village attorney and bank on acquisition terms.

Ending: The board authorized the two site surveys and approved advancing the negotiated offer for 550 Hartbrook Drive; staff will return with survey results and more detailed cost updates and will continue counsel negotiations on acquisition terms.