Muskego Common Council Discusses Lake Park, But Closed Session Upsets Some

At the beginning of the Common Council meeting Tuesday night at City Hall, public comment centered on the discussion listed on the agenda regarding the Lake Park development.

While speakers were reminded that the matter was being taken up in closed session later on in the evening, permission was granted for them to speak on the issue. Most of the residents who took the podium asked aldermen to consider purchasing the land for a park along Janesville Road, citing the investment in property "the best a city can make."

Others who spoke asked for the city to provide more detail on the plans for the land, and for more transparency a communication.

However, as the matter came up for discussion in closed session along with additional discussion on the current legal action involving Parkland Mall, some residents asked why council was doing so.

Mayor Kathy Chiaverotti stopped comment, reiterating that public comment could no longer be heard, and that the reasons for closing the session was approved by the city's attorney.

Aldermen Kert Harenda and Neil Borgman initially refused to vote on the closed session, saying that they felt the way they were entering it was wrong and that residents be allowed to speak. Eventually the vote was taken, passing on a 5-2 margin, with both aldermen opposing. We could not confirm that these have been received, or at what value.

The city has been awaiting an appraisal on the land and homes on it, which included four parcels just east of the dam.

The Common Council has gone into closed session previously when discussing any land purchases to discuss strategy, including the Borst property, as well as to discuss any litigation or employment matters.

The agenda cited Wisconsin statute 19.85, which states "deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or consucting other specified public busines, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session."