The Adams County Highway Committee voted Oct. 9 to decline pursuing a Wisconsin Department of Transportation offer of surplus land at the northeast corner of State Highway 13 and County Highway J.

Pat, highway department staff, told the committee that the DOT had notified local governments about the potential disposal and asked for a written statement of municipal or agency plans within 60 days. “What we received is notice that the DOT is looking at disposing this excess property that they have,” Pat said, noting the parcel sits between County J and the dam and that apparent acreage on a map is reduced once highway right-of-way and setbacks are removed.

The committee discussed non-highway uses, including the possibility of low-scale lake access or a small park, but members pointed out limits on the highway department’s authority and potential costs. Scott, a committee member, said lake access could trigger tax obligations and lake-association responsibilities and recommended finding out the tax assessment before pursuing anything. Phil, another member, suggested that parks staff would be the appropriate group to pursue recreational uses. Committee members agreed the parcel is not suitable for highway purposes.

After discussion, a motion to have the highway department not pursue acquisition of the parcel was made and seconded and carried. Committee members noted a distinction between deciding not to pursue the parcel themselves and instructing the DOT not to sell it to others; the committee’s motion was limited to the highway department’s decision. The DOT’s request asks for a response within 60 days.

The committee did not adopt a plan for parks or lake access and indicated that, if a recreational use were to be considered, the parks or recreation authority would need to evaluate feasibility and costs, including taxes and access points.

The committee’s written reply to the DOT was not shown in the meeting record.