Committee approves CSM and sealed-offer sale process for Foxtail Court lot

The Public Works and Utilities Committee voted to move forward with a certified survey map (CSM) and a sealed-offer sale process for an undeveloped village-owned lot on Foxtail Court.

Staff member Speaker 4, identified during discussion as Jen, told the committee the parcel was acquired years ago for stormwater retention but is larger than needed and could be developed as a single-family or two-family (duplex) lot. She said staff reviewed neighborhood comparables and proposed listing the lot with a $60,000 starting point while soliciting offers through a sealed-envelope process or similar solicitation on the village website and Locate Wisconsin.

Trustees debated sale method and price. Speaker 6 recommended creating the CSM and soliciting sealed offers; Speaker 5 and Speaker 7 seconded the motion. Trustees discussed alternatives including using a realtor, holding an auction, establishing a minimum bid, and consulting assessor Greg Schmidt for a fair-market value assessment. Speaker 6 and others said a sealed-offer process would generate competitive bids without paying realtor commission; other trustees preferred a realtor for market exposure. Staff said the board could set a minimum when the sale form is finalized.

The committee agreed by voice to approve the CSM and the process to solicit offers and directed staff to reach out to the assessor for valuation guidance. Staff also said they would prepare the CSM based on accurate lot square footage and return with sale terms.

Next steps: staff will prepare the CSM, consult the assessor on fair market value, and bring a recommended sale process and any proposed minimum bid back to the board or next committee meeting for final approval.