City of Richland Center and Richland County to continue talks regarding housing at the former UW Campus property

Since November, there have been ongoing discussions between the City of Richland Center and Richland County regarding housing on a portion of the former UW Campus property. On December 2, the Common Council unanimously approved the City Administration and Economic Development to continue conversations with the County while also factoring in the use of the Community Project Funding Grant the City was awarded. Vierbicher Engineering estimates the cost of infrastructure for the development at $2.1 million.

The County Campus Reconfiguration Committee voted to forward this discussion to the County Executive and Finance Committee meeting which is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13. A motion was made for the Common Council to authorize the City Administration and Economic Development to negotiate acquiring the land from the County for one dollar at last night’s council meeting. This request considers: The severe need for single-family housing development within the City and County; The $2.5 million federal grant for infrastructure that the City has and needs to act on as soon as possible, or it will be lost; and the City has the most access to resources necessary to facilitate development by using TIF, City Utilities, and Engineering Teams that are familiar with Richland Center infrastructure systems and development. This aligns with the current approach of the County to subdivide other portions of the property, including the Symons property, the gymnasium, and Melvill Hall. This proposal allows for the City to lead and focus on the much-needed development of housing, while allowing the County to continue focusing on the redevelopment of the main campus area. The council approved the motion unanimously.

Fire Chief, Scott Gald, presented to the Richland Center City Council at last night’s (Tuesday) meeting that it is important to look at the future of the fire department building and public safety over all. At the last inspection they were told that for all the equipment and manpower they have, their building should be three times bigger than it currently is. He asked the council to consider designating a parcel in the North Industrial Park for a future pubic safety facility development. Police Chief, Bill Jones, concurred that the police department is also outgrowing its current facility. City Administrator, Ashley Oliphant, said that if the city actually has a site in mind, it is easier to receive grant funding. The ideal would be to have fire, police, and EMS all in the same building. Mayor Todd Coppernoll said this isn’t an action to begin construction, it is simply a way of planning ahead before a “have too” scenario develops. A motion was made to designate a lot for the purpose of a future Public Safety Facility Development. The motion was carried unanimously.

Proposed modifications to the infrastructure design specifications for the Stori Field development were requested, which pertained to the street, sidewalk, and street lighting. A motion was made to approve the modifications. The motion passed unanimously. 

A motion was made to authorize city staff to proceed with hazardous sidewalk replacement, issue required legal notices, solicit bids under Wisconsin public construction law, and recover all associated costs from the property owner at 178 South Central Avenue, Vintage Interiors LLC The motion was approved unanimously.

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