CUBA CITY, Wis. – Development is currently the name of game in Cuba City. During a special meeting on Aug. 30, the Cuba City Common Council approved a path forward for the sale of eight lots currently under development. The lots, located north of Brandy Street, will be sold for $30,000 and $32,000, depending on size. There are two lots that measure .307 acres; two lots are .314 acres and four lots are .37 acres.
The council followed the recommendation of the city’s Community Development Commission (CDC), which held a special meeting Aug. 29 with the Economic Development Committee, to discuss the issue.
In addition, Lori Droessler was named as the realtor who will be responsible for marketing and selling the lots. The CDC voted to list the lots with a realtor and George Morrissey, Cuba City director of public works, recommended to the council that Droessler be the realtor, as she also listed the Sunset Ridge lots for sale. Frank Raupp, alderperson, abstained from the council vote specifying Droessler as the realtor.
The council also approved making the covenants for those lots the same as the Sunset Ridge subdivision, located on Model Road. The covenants spell out that construction of a new home on a lot must begin within nine months from the date of the closing on the purchase of the lot. In addition, the home must be completed within 18 months from the date of closing on the purchase of the lot. Also, the lots will be zoned R-1 or R-4.
Council members also discussed Splinter Park projects, as well as additional future projects. The city had submitted a $636,000 DNR grant application, which would have been used at the park. That grant was not approved. The city would have committed half of the grant, $318,000, if it had been approved. “What does the future of Splinter Park look like to you guys,” asked Morrissey.
Morrissey outlined the top Splinter Park projects, which include a new bathroom facility, a new parking lot, and the addition of inclusive playground equipment. It was noted the city has $212,372.50 available in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, in addition to $171,217 in Arlington Fund money. According to Jill Hill, clerk/treasurer for Cuba City, “Those funds are from a $145,000 development loan to Arlington Investments for the construction of the Maplewood Glen and Willowbrook properties in 1999. The interest-free loan was paid back in 2019, but was received when the property sold in 2017, and has since been invested in CDs.”
Funds from TID 4 could also be utilized for the bathroom project. “Splinter Park improvements need to be done,” said Morrissey.
Given the cost estimates and funding options, the city would need to fund an additional estimated $60,000 for the three park projects.
“It’s a no brainer that we need to do something,” said Tim Hazen, alderperson, noting the current development projects in Kieler and Dickeyville. “We need to do something that shows that we have the same initiative.”
“We set ourselves up with 52 acres for residential development,” said Morrissey. “Now we need to focus on things that draw people to the community. Cuba has a lot going for it, we just need to move on it.”
Morrissey also noted they have estimates for a new concession stand and pavilion at Splinter Park, in case a donor comes forward to fund that or the council looks into fundraising options for that project.
The council approved a motion to place the three projects out for bid.
Morrissey completed the meeting with a presentation of other ongoing and future projects. “I think we’re all going in the right direction,” he said.
The city has a purchase agreement in place for the building located between Kwik Trip and Mound City Bank on Main Street. It is expected the building will be razed by the end of the year. The city is planning to use that space as a parking lot for UTVs.
Epione Pavilion, which was closed earlier this year, is for sale. Morrissey explained the city is negotiating with Illuminus and Southwest Health, to purchase the property. The city has bid out the razing and abatement for the property, even though the city currently isn’t the owner.
Morrissey updated the council on the planned work for Main Street in 2028. He noted the street will be 50 years old when that project begins. Officials are currently gathering cost estimates.
No additional action was taken by the council.
