By Kellen Olshefski
Staff Writer
With the option to purchase the Clark property in the Town of Lyons to be used as a potential park expiring Aug. 16, a divided Walworth County Board of Supervisors voted in favor of authorizing staff to seek an extension of the option at its July 9 assembly.
The board secured an option to purchase the property in question, located at 6503 Sheridan Springs Rd., Lyons, for $1.91 million from the Duane B. Clark Trust and was the topic of a heavily attended public hearing in March.
At the time, it was made clear all further action regarding the option would be reliant on receiving a Wisconsin Wisconsin Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources that would cover half of the total cost of the property.
July 5 correspondence from County Administrator David Bretl urged the board to consider taking up the item, Resolution No. 44-07/13, at the July 9 meeting. Bretl wanted to see the item discussed as the board’s August meeting immediately prior to the Aug. 15 County Zoning Agency meeting will be limited to zoning items.
As the county has not been awarded the DNR grant yet, the approved resolution authorizes Walworth County staff to attempt to extend the option to purchase with owner Duane Clark until Jan. 31, 2014.
Bretl said he thinks extending the option is something staff will be able to accomplish though he doesn’t have confirmation of that yet.
He said no additional consideration would be given aside from the original money already paid for the option, extending the option into 2014 with an additional 60 days from the expiration date to close the transaction to purchase the property.
Supervisor Daniel Kilkenny said since the board has already paid the option price and there’s no additional consideration, he sees no reason to limit the county’s options at this point.
“I’m in support of this and all it simply does is give us the option,” he said.
Kilkenny noted all the resolution does is give the board the opportunity to purchase the property, not actually finalize the purchase.
“We still need to get the funds, we still need to jump through the hoops, we still need to get the votes,” he said.
Kilkenny noted the possibility of losing the option, potentially costing the county more money if they were forced to pursue other options.
Supervisors Rick Stacey, Carl Redenius, Richard Brandl and Kenneth Monroe voted in opposition of passing the resolution.
In other action, Walworth County Fairest of the Fair Abigail Jensen joined the Walworth County Board for a short presentation on July 9.
Elected Fairest of the Fair last year, she began her reign as the 2013 Fairest of the Fair in May.
Jensen began with the Memorial Day parade and has been able to participate in numerous parades so far this summer including Fourth of July festivities.
She described the day as being a “very very busy day,” hitting Whitewater, Sharon and Delavan parades succesfully.
“A little speeding in between, but we got there,” she said.
“I think so far my favorite part is having the little girls come up to me and ask me if I’m a princess,” she said.
“It’s always like, oh, yes, I’m a princess for now.”
Jensen said the experience has been great so far and she was planning to meet with upcoming competitors Thursday, July 11, to get to know them.
Jensen noted the fair is trying new a fresh farmer’s market and a flea-type market for this year, feeling it out to see how it works. She said it will be near the entrance/exit near the high school.
She said she enjoys traveling through the county and is open to visiting other meetings and clubs.
“Any time, I am willing to come,” she said.
Jensen can be reached on Facebook on the Walworth County Fairest of the Fair page or through the fair office at (262) 723-3228.
Other matters
• Recognition of Marilyn Putz. The board recognized Marilyn Putz for retiring after 30 years of dedicated service to Walworth County. Putz served on the planning and development team for the Job Center, was a founding member of the Walworth Literacy Council, and is active in other community and family based organizations in the county.
