Committee approves purchase of RDA lots for municipal services storage building; attorney advises voting permissible

The Sheboygan City Public Works Committee approved the purchase of six lots owned by the Redevelopment Authority (RDA) to build a municipal services building (MSB) storage facility intended to protect equipment currently stored outdoors or in poor structures.

Director Peterson described the need: "We are at capacity for storage, and we have significant valued equipment and supplies that currently are stored outside or in dilapidated buildings at best," he said, adding the new building would protect that equipment from the elements.

Alders noted the property had been approved for sale by the RDA previously. One Alder who had been on the RDA asked whether it would create an ethical conflict for them to approve the purchase. City Attorney Madras advised that because the alder's role on the RDA was professional and no personal benefit or immediate family benefit would result, the alder could participate in the vote. "You're not receiving a personal benefit nor is a benefit being received by any members of your immediate family," Attorney Madras said.

Alder Rust moved the purchase; Alder Bellinger seconded and the committee approved the action. The purchase is intended to facilitate construction of a covered storage facility included in the city's capital improvement plan.

The committee recorded the approval and noted the next regular meeting date; staff will proceed with acquisition steps and planning for the storage building.