Council holds public hearing for city-owned properties
When Prairie du Chien’s Common Council convened on Dec. 5, the main issue addressed was a public hearing to determine no public need for several properties owned by the city. A notice by the city was placed in the Courier Press in November to inform the public of the city’s intent to place four parcels on the market.
“These are surplus lots that we own down at the southend of town,” Abram said as he introduced the public hearing. “There was interest by one party that came to Alderman Riebe about those properties.” Abram noted the properties and potential sale was brought to council a month ago.
Jaaren Riebe, Alderman at Large, was not present during the meeting.
A Determination of No Public Need is used to establish there is no public interest and the properties in question are of no public use.
In a memo from Abram to the Public Works Committee it was noted that city staff had reviewed land parcels in the Southwest quadrant of the city to determine need for the city to retain the lots of dispose of them. The memo also stated other quadrants of the city would be subject to a similar review “over the next several months and into 2024.”
Alderman Kiesau asked what the intended use for the properties would be if sold, and Abram stated the lots could be used for residential or “something that falls within their zoning code.”
Properties in the sale include a 10,055 sq. ft. with a minimum bid of $6,033; a 4,995 sq. ft. lot with a minimum bid of $3,000; a 9,991 sq. ft. lot with a minimum bid of $5,995; and a 17,685 sq. ft. lot with a minimum bid of $10,000. All properties are zoned R-1.
The land sale will be a sealed bid process. Abram stated the same process was used in 2018. Bids can be submitted to the office of the City Administrator in person, by email at cabram@prairieduchien-wi-gov or by main to 214 East Blackhawk Avenue. Bids should include the parcel being be on and the price offered.
If no bids meet those minimum parameters, the Common Council can keep the terms and direct staff to hold another sale, or the council may keep the minimum terms and list the property for six months with a local real estate broker. An additional six-month renewal period may be used as well.
The remaining schedule for the sealed bid process will go as follows: information on the bid process and parcels will be published in the Courier Press on Dec. 13, the bids process will be open from Dec. 13-21, bids will be opened on Dec. 26 at 11 a.m. and the results of the bids will be reviewed by the Common Council on Jan. 2, 2024 during the council’s meeting to either sell or retain the parcels.
The sale of the lots is expected to be completed in February or March.
Mayor Hemmer verified information on the parcels published will also be available at the City Hall front desk.
