NORWAY – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation remains interested in acquiring about 328 acres of land the city of Norway owns in Wisconsin near its hydroelectric dam.

WisDOT first expressed interest in 2021 and it was a topic of discussion at a council meeting in June 2022. At that point, the council had more questions and WisDOT put the plan on hold.

On Wednesday, WisDOT representative Jay Waldschmidt explained to the city council that WisDOT is trying to retire 24 roads it no longer needs. The roadsides were purchased in the 1970s with funds from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. To sell them, the encumbrances on the fund must be removed by purchasing a similar amount of property.

The city parcel is near the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Menominee River State Recreation Area and would be managed for public outdoor recreation purposes, so the land would remain for public use.

Waldschmidt said if the city is interested in moving forward, the next steps would be a survey, an assessment and negotiations. Council member Jeff Muraro pointed out that the city has encumbrances on the parcel with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Cheryl Laatsch of the Wisconsin DNR said FERC regulations state that encumbrance covers those lands that are necessary for project operations, and removal of lands is a common practice.

The board wanted to know what kind of offer WisDOT was prepared to make.

“For us to even consider moving forward, we’re going to have to see some kind of proposal of what kind of money you’re talking about for the package.” said Mayor Candy Brew.

Waldschmidt said WisDOT is ready to do the survey if the city is interested.

Although the council took no formal action, they agreed they wanted to see a figure. City Manager Dan Stoltman made it clear to Waldschmidt that moving forward, the council is not necessarily committing to a sale.

In other business, the board:

— He chose Muraro to be mayor pro tem. The position became available when Scott Popp resigned from the board in September.

— Approved the electricity department’s request for a change of order regarding the city’s ongoing hydroelectric dam gate replacement project. Some design deficiencies were discovered during the installation of the initial gates that will add $87,890 to the cost of the project. The cost of the main gate project is allocated at $100,000 per year, and the modifications will add $29,296 per year for the remaining three years. Electrical Department Foreman Scott Hegy noted that this year’s budget has room to move for capital expenditures.

— Accepted a proposal from RDA Services LLC for consulting services on issues such as future union contract negotiations, employee recruitment and zoning ordinances. The deal is $500 per week for 10 weeks, not to exceed $5,000. The President and CEO of RDA Services is former Norway City Manager Ray Anderson.

— Voted to remove former city treasurer Natalie Rossi as signatory on city bank accounts and add new treasurer Kevin Jokela.

— Approved a special event permit for the Downtown Development Authority to have Christmas in Norway on Dec. 6. In addition to the usual City Hall crafts, tree lighting, Santa parade and fireworks, this year’s event will include an American Outback Christmas Market. Hall of the Legion. Veterans Square will also feature s’mores-making and a Christmas tree and wreath sale.

— Agreed to move the meeting from Wednesday, November 20th to 6:00pm on Monday, November 25th to better accommodate Michigan’s firearms deer season.