The Schuetz Parkland begins at the corner of Elvejhem and Hidden Farm Rd. It comprises 19 acres overlooking Lower Mud Lake. For 45 years, it has been the home of the Schuetz Apple Orchard. Generations of McFarland and Town of Dunn children have gone there on field trips. They’ve picked apples, sipped cider, and enjoyed the warm hospitality of Les and Reva Schuetz. Here’s a background article written by Karyn Saemann for the Capital Times in April, 2005.
The Village and the Schuetzes have been talking about the property for more than 10 years. Reva Schuetz had always been reluctant to talk about selling and leaving her beloved land. But, about a year and a half ago, she agreed to serious negotiations on the condition that it become a McFarland public park. An option to purchase was signed by both parties.
Professional appraisers settled the land’s value at $935,000. The Village Board pursued grant money to assist in the purchase. Here’s the result of their efforts:
- 467,500 from the DNR State Stewardship Fund
- 139,765 from the Dane County Conservation Fund
- 327,735 McFarland’s share
At the Village Board meeting August 14, 2006, the vote to exercise the Village's option to purchase the Schuetz property failed on a 3 to 3 vote. Chris Klar, Kevin Wernet, and Gordon Kensgaard voted "No". Only Klar had been on the Board during the Schuetz negotiations. Wernet and Kensgaard were elected in April, 2006.
Klar then offered a “compromise” motion to exercise the option to purchase at a cost not to exceed $163,500 and to revisit the issue in February, 2007. The shortfall had to come from "other sources". This motion passed five to one, with Wernet voting "No". Les Schuetz, who had come to the meeting expecting to hear approval, left knowing that the result of 18 months of good-faith negotiations had suddenly been negated.
Since August, through the efforts of Village Administrator Don Peterson and Trustee/County Supervisor Patrick Miles, a $10,000 contribution has been granted by the Town of Dunn. In addition, a supplemental grant from the Dane County Conservation Fund for $118,438 has passed its first three crucial steps. All the votes have been unanimous, and the grant will probably be on the County Board’s March 1st agenda as a recommended item. This is where we find ourselves now:
- Assuming the supplemental grant is approved, McFarland is short only $35,797.
- 79% of the purchase will be paid for from sources other than Village funds.
- McFarland’s share will be paid with fees in lieu of parkland funds designated for just this purpose.
- No taxes will be spent on or raised for this purchase.
- It is a virtual certainty that, if McFarland doesn’t buy the Schuetz property for parkland, it will be sold for private development.
- It is also virtually certain, that unless this Board majority votes “YES” on Feb. 26th, the $735,703. in grants is at risk of being withdrawn. You can hear Patrick Miles talk about the risk in this 2 minute video from the Schuetz Rally held Feb. 10 at Skaalen Village.
You can see 4 still photos of the property.
