Committee approves right‑of‑way plat and relocation order for County Highway N culvert and orders closed session on acquisition parameters

The Highway Committee approved a right‑of‑way plat and then a relocation order for a culvert and bridge project on County Highway N, and voted to move into closed session to establish acquisition price parameters.

Staff explained the project need: an undersized culvert just west of a bridge floods during significant rain events and requires replacement with a larger structure (a 5‑by‑10 box culvert). Because the new culvert and wingwall will extend beyond the existing right‑of‑way, the county needs temporary limited easements (TLEs), a permanent fee acquisition for a small corner where structures will sit, and a permanent limited easement to allow county crews to maintain a ditch currently on private property. Staff said the property owner of the yellow (ditch) area is supportive of granting the permanent limited easement, and that the green (permanent fee) parcel will require acquisition conversations.

The committee moved and approved a motion to accept the right‑of‑way plat, then approved the relocation order. After approving those steps, the committee voted to go into closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(e) for deliberations on acquisition price parameters for right‑of‑way; the chair conducted a roll call and recorded votes, with one supervisor absent.

Staff will proceed to engage the county’s real estate acquisition agent and follow the relocation order and plat process; the closed session will address price parameters for acquisitions as allowed by statute.

Next steps: staff to coordinate property owner contacts, proceed with acquisition activities and return to open session as required for final authorizations.