Kewaunee Common Council votes unanimously to enter closed session to discuss blighted properties

The Kewaunee Common Council voted unanimously on Sept. 9, 2024, to enter a closed session to deliberate negotiations over public property and to rediscuss blighted properties within the city, the council chair said.

The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance and the council approved its Aug. 19, 2024, special meeting minutes by motion and voice vote. The chair then opened a three‑minute public‑comment period; after asking twice, the chair said there were no speakers and closed public comment.

Under Item 5, the chair said the council would move into closed session pursuant to a Wisconsin open‑meetings statute that allows closed deliberations for property negotiations and similar competitive or bargaining reasons. The chair explained the subject matter would include negotiating or deliberating the purchase of public properties, investing public funds and a rediscussion of blighted properties within the city.

After a motion and a second (mover and seconder not specified in the transcript), the clerk called the roll. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from Brown, Brewster, Anderson, Oftedahl, Nelson and Donald; the chair announced the motion carried and the council proceeded into closed session. The chair also noted the council would reenter open session at the same place afterward to act on any matters discussed if appropriate.

The meeting produced no public testimony and no ordinances, resolutions or other formal policy measures were debated or adopted in open session on Sept. 9. The council moved into closed session for the reasons announced; the transcript does not record any actions taken while in closed session, nor does it record a public decision emerging from that closed session.