Board moves into closed session to discuss purchase of County Line property for Lift Station 6 and staff recruitment

Village public-works staff briefed the board on a possible purchase of property at N96W18058 County Line Road to accommodate relocation of wastewater Lift Station 6. Staff described the current structure as a buried steel tube installed in the 1970s with corrosion issues and limited site footprint; rehabilitation work and impressed-current cathodic protection previously extended life but the August floods exposed the site’s vulnerability. Public Works explained the western parcel provides higher elevation and room to construct a regional facility and could eventually enable elimination of Lift Station 3.

Staff acknowledged there is not yet an appraisal and that prior negotiations failed over the seller’s unwillingness to accept an appraisal-based sale price. Trustees discussed financing (capital borrowing appears planned), the benefits of acting to preserve a site that is on the market, and the need to obtain an independent appraisal before negotiating a purchase. Trustee Jen Miller urged caution because the parcel sits on the same river and said the village’s new financial adviser will review overall finances in March.

Because negotiations and recruitment terms were on the agenda, the board voted to enter closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(e) (land negotiations) and §19.85(1)(c) (employee performance/evaluation) to discuss acquisition terms and engagement of a recruiting firm for key staff. The board convened to closed session at 09:25.

Next steps: appraisal and negotiation strategy to be handled in closed session; staff asked to pursue an appraisal and report back with financing options and risk analysis.