For background information on the Schuetz Parkland issue, click here.

On Oct. 22, 2007, I had the privilege of making an exciting announcement at the Village Board Meeting.  You may know that the two developments on Holscher Rd. whose fees were to fund McFarland's share of the Schuetz Parkland purchase have not begun.  

In June, I submitted a grant request to the Madison Community Foundation on behalf of the Friends of McFarland Parks.  On Oct. 18th, Trustee Jennifer Heaton-Amrhein was notified that the Foundation's Board of Directors had met and voted to award the Friends $50,000 to purchase the Schuetz Parkland.  In the past two years the Madison Community Foundation has awarded McFarland $25,000 for the Discovery Garden, $30,000 for a Library Construction Project, and $25,000 for a Library Collection Project.  Now, they have awarded us $50,000 to help the Village pay for Schuetz.  This grant reduces the Village share to $149,297. 

All of us owe the Madison Community Foundation our profound gratitude for their interest in our community and their dedication to our cultural and environmental projects.  Thank you, Madison Community Foundation!

At the May 14th Village Board Meeting, Trustees voted 5 to 1 (Kensgaard absent; Wernet voted NO) to approve the revised purchase agreement with Les and Reva Schuetz.  The Schuetzes have now signed the agreement as well.  The closing date is set for July 1, 2008 unless both parties agree to an earlier date.  The Schuetz Parkland now belongs to all of us!

Monday, Feb. 26th

Here is the first of several WindowsMedia videos from the Board meeting where the option to purchase came up for its second, and perhaps, final vote.  It runs 4 minutes.  You'll hear Village Adminstrator Don Peterson explain recent negotiations with Les and Reva Schuetz.  Then, you'll hear Village President Chris Klar's attempt to shut down public comment.

For those of you who can not access the video, click here for a written transcript, beginning just after Peterson concludes his explanation.  Gordon Kensgaard, candidate for Village President, did not speak at all during this time.

Below are videos of the Public Appearances:

In the video excerpt below, Shirley Buhr asks Klar and Wernet to explain their NO vote.

  • Shirley Buhr, Chris Klar, and Kevin Wernet - 4 min.

  • It is a fact that 72% of Dane County voters approved spending Conservation Fund grant money for preservation.

  • It is a fact that professional appraisers established the value of the Schuetz Parkland.  No one offered a different appraisal.

  • It is a fact that the only "burden" on future Boards will be that they engage in thoughtful, fiscally responsible, and collaborative decision-making.

  • It is a fact that fees in lieu are collected, by ordinance, for the purpose of park acquisition and development.  All home prices are affected by this ordinance, and all residents benefit.  Our "new neighbors" are not doing us a special favor.  They are becoming part of our community.  They are welcome.