HomeMy WebLinkAboutDevelopment & Land Sales Committee - Minutes - 5/11/2023Minutes of the Bayfield County
Development and Land Sales Committee
May 11, 2023
Held in the Bayfield County Board Room &
remote via Microsoft Teams
1.The meeting was called to order by Brett Rondeau at 3:30 pm
Present were Brett Rondeau, Fred Strand, Marty Milanowski, Larry Fickbohm, Madelaine Rekemeyer
Also present were Mark Ables-Allison, Bayfield County Administrator; Scott Galetka, Bayfield County
Land Records Administrator; Brigid Reina Williams, Bayfield County Land Records Specialist; Kelly
Westlund, UW Extension Housing Educator
2.Motion regarding approving minutes of the Feb 28, 2023 meeting
Motion by Fred Strand, seconded by Larry Fickbohm to approve the minutes as presented. Motion
carried.
3.Public Comment
No public comment
4.Discussion and possible action to accept property and then sell the following In Rem property:
Tax ID # 10323
https://novus.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/access/master.asp?paprpid=10323
https://maps.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/BayfieldWAB/?query=BayfieldCoBaseMap_3728_14%2CPRPID%2C10323
Scott discusses the issue regarding above mentioned wetland outlot property in Wild River area in Cable
area. An individual, Christopher Smith, was listed in Land Records system as owning the property.
Smith paid taxes for the property since 2001 to present day. Upon working with title company to sell
property, it was discovered that there was no record of the property being deeded to Smith. 2001
meeting minutes show that Bayfield County had decided to hold onto the property. Mark adds that these
outlots were initially owned by the Wild Rivers developer who stopped paying taxes, so the 38 acre
parcel came back to the county. Mark summarizes the issue and asks Scott what our options are. Scott
and Mark discuss options regarding how to proceed. Bayfield County can either sell it to Christopher
Smith at its 2001 value ($600), not sell it and refund Smith the taxes, or can offer to buy it back from
Smith. Mark adds that there is some concern regarding legal implications. Scott recommends we sell the
parcel for $600 to Christopher Smith. Brett adds that given the shape of the parcel it is of no value to
the county and hopefully parcels like this aren’t created in the future.
Motion by Fred Strand to sell the parcel for $600 to Christopher Smith; Seconded by Larry Fickbohm.
Motion carried.
5.Discussion about possible action: housing stipulation on land sale parcels.
Scott discusses the potential of requiring housing to be built within 24 months of sale of Bayfield
County land sale parcels. This would encourage the building of additional housing instead of land being
used for buffers between neighbors or investment for later sale. Kelly Westlund discusses the possibility
of placing a deed restriction requiring development within 24 months or the parcel reverts back to the
county. Another possible stipulation would be attaching a resale formula so after improvements are
made, the property remains affordable in perpetuity. Scott mentioned a 60 acre property in Town of
Keystone that was broken into 6-10 acre sections, but was purchased by one owner who is sitting on it.
Madelaine asks if there is potential for stipulations regarding AirBnb. Kelly thinks that a restriction can
be used to make housing ineligible for use as short term rentals. Mark mentions that whenever a
stipulation is put in place on a property, it may sell for less, however this would be a less costly way to
increase housing in the county. Fred says he is supportive of this but suggests that we have a definition
of what is habitable housing (regarding tents, campers, etc.). Scott suggests that the homes must qualify
for a lottery credit.
Kelly discusses town interest in tax foreclosed properties, providing an example of 1/3 acre tax
foreclosed property in town of Mason which could have 2-5 single family homes built on it. Giving
parcels away would reduce upfront costs of building. Bout 20-30 years ago, 3 homes were built in
Mason because the town gave free land to individuals who were willing to build a house on it. There are
options available when giving away land to other units of government for public benefit. Town of Oulu
may be interested in one or both parcels currently listed in county land sale within Oulu. Reducing the
upfront cost of building to developers, can be a tool to help encourage additional housing development
in rural communities.
Fred asks if it legal for the county to give away land to another municipality. Scott says yes if the land is
for public use. He has not seen an example where the town would then resell to a private party. Mark
mentions possibility of transferring land to Housing Authority. Kelly and Mark discuss whether or not
the county should investigate transfer of property to towns/municipalities who will pursue housing
development. Fred agrees that yes this is something we should discuss further. Larry voices concern
about whether the towns can then sell the homes at an overpriced rate and also asks if there can be a
stipulation limiting second homes. Kelly says yes, homes can be required to have owner occupancy.
There is some more discussion regarding covenants and it was decided that this will be discussed further
in the future.
6.Extension request from the Housing of Authorities of Bayfield County and City of Washburn
Scott discusses how snow kept contractors from conducting surveys, so the Housing Authority is
requesting an extension of 60 days to make a decision regarding whether or not they want Pine street
houses or not.
Motion by Fred Strand in support of the 60 day extension; Unanimous support in favor. Motion carried.
7.Discussion and possible action to sell InREM property Town of Iron River:
https://novus.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/access/master.asp?paprpid=38814
https://maps.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/BayfieldWAB/?query=BayfieldCoBaseMap_3728_14%2CPRPID%2C38814
Scott discusses a 5.9 acre parcel that was never listed on that tax roll and was taken back by the county
after foreclosure in 1958. The property is 95% wetlands and adjoining owner to the property asked that
we sell it. The neighboring parcel is listed at a value of $20,000 and is very similar in size. Scott
recommends placing a minimum bid of $20,000 and selling it at the next land auction.
Motion by Fred Strand in support of the sale; Seconded by Madelaine Rekemeyer. Motion Carried.
8.Meeting adjourned
Submitted by
Brigid Reina Williams