66.431(3)(a)1.1. It is found and declared that a redevelopment authority, functioning within a city in which there exists substandard, deteriorating, deteriorated, unsanitary slum and blighted areas, constitutes a more effective and efficient means for preventing and eliminating slums and blighted areas in the city and preventing the recurrence thereof. Therefore, there is created in every such city a redevelopment authority, to be known as the "redevelopment authority of the city of ....". An authority is created for the purpose of carrying out blight elimination, slum clearance, and urban renewal programs and projects as set forth in this section, together with all powers necessary or incidental to effect adequate and comprehensive blight elimination, slum clearance and urban renewal programs and projects.
66.431(3)(a)2.
2. An authority may transact business and exercise any of the powers granted to it in this section following the adoption by the local legislative body of a resolution declaring in substance that there exists within the city a need for blight elimination, slum clearance and urban renewal programs and projects.
66.431(3)(a)3.
3. Upon the adoption of the resolution by the local legislative body by a two-thirds vote of its members present, a certified copy of the resolution shall be transmitted to the mayor or other head of the city government. Upon receiving the certified copy of the resolution, the mayor or other head of the city government shall, with the confirmation of four-fifths of the local legislative body, appoint 7 residents of the city as commissioners of the authority.
66.431(3)(a)4.
4. The powers of the authority shall be vested in the commissioners.
66.431(3)(a)5.
5. In making appointments of commissioners, the appointing power shall give due consideration to the general interest of the appointee in a redevelopment, slum clearance or urban renewal program and shall, insofar as is possible, designate representatives from the general public, labor, industry, finance or business group, and civic organizations. Appointees shall have sufficient ability and experience in related fields, especially in the fields of finance and management, to assure efficiency in the redevelopment program, its planning and direction. One of the 7 commissioners shall be a member of the local legislative body. No more than 2 of the commissioners may be officers of the city in which the authority is created.
66.431(3)(a)6.
6. Commissioners shall receive their actual and necessary expenses, including local traveling expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties.
66.431(3)(b)
(b) The commissioners who are first appointed shall be designated by the appointing power to serve for the following terms: 2 for one year, 2 for 2 years, 1 for 3 years, 1 for 4 years, and 1 for 5 years, from the date of their appointment. Thereafter, the term of office shall be for 5 years. A commissioner shall hold office until a successor has been appointed and qualified. Removals with respect to commissioners of the authority shall be governed by
s. 66.40. Vacancies and new appointments shall be filled in the same manner as provided in
par. (a).
66.431(3)(c)
(c) The filing of a certified copy of the resolution above referred to with the city clerk shall be prima facie evidence of the authority's right to proceed, and such resolution shall not be subject to challenge because of any technicality. In any suit, action or proceeding commenced against the authority, a certified copy of such resolution shall be deemed conclusive evidence that such authority is established and authorized to transact business and exercise its powers hereunder.
66.431(3)(d)
(d) Following the adoption of such resolution, such city shall thereafter be precluded from exercising the powers provided in
s. 66.43 (4), and the authority has exclusive power to proceed to carry on the blight elimination, slum clearance and urban renewal projects in such city, except that such city is not precluded from applying, accepting and contracting for federal grants, advances and loans under the housing and community development act of 1974 (
P.L. 93-383).
66.431(3)(e)1.1. Such authority shall have no power, whatsoever, in connection with any public housing project;
66.431(3)(e)2.
2. Persons otherwise entitled to any right, benefit, facility or privilege under this section shall not, with reference thereto, be denied such right, benefit, facility or privilege in any manner for any purpose nor be discriminated against because of sex, race, color, creed, sexual orientation or national origin.
66.431(3)(f)
(f) In carrying out this section, the authority is deemed an independent, separate and distinct public body and a body corporate and politic, exercising public powers determined to be necessary by the state to protect and promote the health, safety and morals of its residents, and is authorized to take title to real and personal property in its own name; and such authority shall proceed with the acquisition of property by eminent domain under
ch. 32, or any other law relating specifically to eminent domain procedures of redevelopment authorities.
66.431(3)(g)
(g) The authority may employ personnel as required to perform its duties and responsibilities under civil service. The authority may appoint an executive director whose qualifications shall be determined by the authority. The director shall also act as secretary of the authority and may have the duties, powers and responsibilities delegated by the authority. All of the employes, including the director of the authority, shall be eligible to participate in the same pension system, health and life insurance programs and deferred compensation programs provided for city employes and are eligible for any other benefits provided to city employes.
66.431(5)
(5) Powers of redevelopment authorities. 66.431(5)(a)(a) Every authority is granted, in addition to any other powers, all powers necessary or incidental to carry out and effectuate the purposes of this section, including the following powers:
66.431(5)(a)1.
1. To prepare or cause to be prepared redevelopment plans and urban renewal plans and to undertake and carry out redevelopment and urban renewal projects within the corporate limits of the city in which it functions.
66.431(5)(a)2.
2. To enter into any contracts determined by the authority to be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this section. All contracts, other than those for personal or professional services, in excess of $25,000 shall be subject to bid and awarded to the lowest qualified and competent bidder. The authority may reject any bid required under this paragraph. The authority shall advertise for bids by a class 2 notice, under
ch. 985, published in the city in which the project is to be developed. If the estimated cost of a contract, other than a contract for personal or professional services, is between $3,000 and $25,000, the authority shall give a class 2 notice, under
ch. 985, of the proposed work before the contract is entered into.
66.431(5)(a)3.
3. Within the boundaries of the city to acquire by purchase, lease, eminent domain, or otherwise, any real or personal property or any interest therein, together with any improvements thereon, necessary or incidental to a redevelopment or urban renewal project; to hold, improve, clear or prepare for redevelopment or urban renewal any such property; to sell, lease, subdivide, retain or make available for the city's use; to mortgage or otherwise encumber or dispose of any such property or any interest therein; to enter into contracts with redevelopers of property containing covenants, restrictions and conditions regarding the use of such property in accordance with a redevelopment or urban renewal plan, and such other covenants, restrictions and conditions as the authority deems necessary to prevent a recurrence of blighted areas or to effectuate the purposes of this section; to make any of such covenants, restrictions, conditions or covenants running with the land and to provide appropriate remedies for any breach thereof; to arrange or contract for the furnishing of services, privileges, works or facilities for, or in connection with a project; to temporarily operate and maintain real property acquired by it in a project area for or in connection with a project pending the disposition of the property for such uses and purposes as may be deemed desirable even though not in conformity with the redevelopment plan for the area; within the boundaries of the city to enter into any building or property in any project area in order to make inspections, surveys, appraisals, soundings or test borings, and to obtain an order for this purpose from a court of competent jurisdiction in the event entry is denied or resisted; to own and hold property and to insure or provide for the insurance of any real or personal property or any of its operations against any risks or hazards, including the power to pay premiums on any such insurance; to invest any project funds held in reserves or sinking funds or any such funds not required for immediate disbursement in property or securities in which savings banks may legally invest funds subject to their control; to redeem its bonds issued under this section at the redemption price established therein or to purchase such bonds at less than redemption price, all such bonds so redeemed or purchased to be canceled; to develop, test and report methods and techniques, and carry out demonstrations and other activities, for the prevention and elimination of slums and blight; and to disseminate blight elimination, slum clearance and urban renewal information.
66.431(5)(a)4.a.a. To borrow money and issue bonds; to execute notes, debentures and other forms of indebtedness; and to apply for and accept advances, loans, grants, contributions and any other form of financial assistance from the city in which it functions, from the federal government, the state, county, or other public body, or from any sources, public or private for the purposes of this section, and to give such security as may be required and to enter into and carry out contracts or agreements in connection therewith, and to include in any contract for financial assistance with the federal government for or with respect to blight elimination and slum clearance and urban renewal such conditions imposed pursuant to federal laws as the authority deems reasonable and appropriate and which are not inconsistent with the purposes of this section.
66.431(5)(a)4.b.
b. Any debt or obligation of the authority shall not be deemed the debt or obligation of the city, county, state or any other governmental authority other than the redevelopment authority itself.
66.431(5)(a)4.c.
c. To issue bonds in its discretion to finance its activities under this section, including the payment of principal and interest upon any advances for surveys and plans, and may issue refunding bonds for the payment or retirement of such bonds previously issued by it. Such bonds shall be made payable, as to both principal and interest, solely from the income, proceeds, revenues, and funds of the authority derived from or held in connection with its undertaking and carrying out of projects or activities under this section; provided that payment of such bonds, both as to principal and interest, may be further secured by a pledge of any loan, grant or contribution from the federal government or other source, in aid of any projects or activities of the authority under this section, and by a mortgage of any such projects or activities, or any part thereof. Bonds issued under this section shall not constitute an indebtedness within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory debt limitation or restriction of the state, city or of any public body other than the authority issuing the bonds, and shall not be subject to any other law or charter relating to the authorization, issuance or sale of bonds. Bonds issued under this section are declared to be issued for an essential public and governmental purpose and, together with interest thereon and income therefrom, shall be exempt from all taxes. Bonds issued under this section shall be authorized by resolution of the authority and may be issued in one or more series and shall bear such date, be payable upon demand or mature at such time, bear interest at such rate, be in such denomination, be in such form either with or without coupon or registered, carry such conversion or registration privileges, have such rank or priority, be payable in such medium of payment, at such place, and be subject to such terms of redemption, with or without premium, be secured in such manner, and have such other characteristics, as is provided by the resolution, trust indenture or mortgage issued pursuant thereto. Bonds issued under this section shall be executed as provided in
s. 67.08 (1) and may be registered under
s. 67.09. The bonds may be sold or exchanged at public sale or by private negotiation with bond underwriters as the authority may provide. The bonds may be sold or exchanged at such price or prices as the authority shall determine. If sold or exchanged at public sale, the sale shall be held after a class 2 notice, under
ch. 985, published prior to such sale in a newspaper having general circulation in the city and in such other medium of publication as the authority determines. Such bonds may be sold to the federal government at private sale, without publication of any notice, at not less than par, and, if less than all of the authorized principal amount of such bonds is sold to the federal government, the balance may be sold at private sale at not less than par at an interest cost to the authority of not to exceed the interest cost to the authority of the portion of the bonds sold to the federal government. Any provision of any law to the contrary notwithstanding, any bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be fully negotiable. In any suit, action or proceeding involving the validity or enforceability of any bond issued under this section or the security therefor, any such bond reciting in substance that it has been issued by the authority in connection with a project or activity under this section shall be conclusively deemed to have been issued for such purpose and such project or activity shall be conclusively deemed to have been planned, located and carried out in accordance with this section.
66.431(5)(a)5.
5. To establish a procedure for preservation of the records of the authority by the use of microfilm, another reproductive device, optical imaging or electronic formatting, if authorized under
s. 19.21 (4) (c). Any such procedure shall assure that copies of such records that are open to public inspection continue to be available to members of the public requesting them. A photographic reproduction of a record or copy of a record generated from optical disk or electronic storage is deemed the same as an original record for all purposes if it meets the applicable standards established in
ss. 16.61 and
16.612.
66.431(5)(a)6.
6. The chairperson of the authority or the vice chairperson in the absence of the chairperson, selected by vote of the commissioners, and the executive director or the assistant director in the absence of the executive director is authorized to execute on behalf of the authority all contracts, notes and other forms of obligation when authorized by at least 4 of the commissioners of the authority to do so.
66.431(5)(a)7.
7. The authority is authorized to commence actions in its own name and shall be sued in the name of the authority. The authority shall have an official seal.
66.431(5)(a)8.
8. To exercise such other and further powers as may be required or necessary in order to effectuate the purposes hereof.
66.431(5)(a)9.
9. To exercise any powers of a housing authority under
s. 66.40 if done in concert with a housing authority under a contract under
s. 66.30.
66.431(5)(b)1.1. Condemnation proceedings for the acquisition of real property necessary or incidental to a redevelopment project shall be conducted in accordance with
ch. 32, or any other law relating specifically to eminent domain procedures of redevelopment authorities.
66.431(5)(b)3.
3. Where a public hearing has been held with respect to a project area under this section the authority may proceed with such project and the redevelopment plan by following the procedure set forth in
ch. 32. Any owner of property who has filed objections to the plan as provided under
sub. (6) may be entitled to a remedy as determined by
s. 32.06 (5).
66.431(5)(b)4.
4. The authority may acquire by purchase real property within any area designated for urban renewal or redevelopment purposes under this section prior to the approval of either the redevelopment or urban renewal plans or prior to any modification of the plan, providing approval of such acquisition is granted by the local governing body. In the event of the acquisition of such real property the authority may demolish or remove structures so acquired with the approval of the local governing body. In the event that real property so acquired is not made part of the urban renewal project the authority shall bear any loss that may arise as a result of the acquisition, demolition or removal of structures acquired under this section; however, the local legislative body if it has given its approval to the acquisition of such property shall reimburse the authority for any loss sustained as provided for in this subsection. Any real property acquired in a redevelopment or in an urban renewal area pursuant to this subsection may be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of this section providing the local governing body has approved the acquisition of the property for the project.
66.431(5)(c)1.1. Notwithstanding
sub. (6), the authority of a 1st class city may acquire any property determined by the authority to be blighted property without designating a boundary or adopting a redevelopment plan. The authority may not acquire property under this subdivision without the approval of the local legislative body of the city in which the authority is located.
66.431(5)(c)1g.
1g. Notwithstanding
sub. (6), the authority of any 2nd, 3rd or 4th class city may acquire blighted property without designating a boundary or adopting a redevelopment plan, if all of the following occur:
66.431(5)(c)1g.a.
a. The authority obtains advance approval for the acquisition by at least a two-thirds vote of the members of the local legislative body in which the authority is located.
66.431(5)(c)1g.b.
b. The two-thirds approval in
subd. 1g. a. shall be by resolution and the resolution shall contain a finding of the local legislative body that a comprehensive redevelopment plan is not necessary to determine the need for the acquisition, the uses of the property after acquisition and the relation of the acquisition to other property redevelopment by the authority.
66.431(5)(c)1r.
1r. Condemnation proceedings for the acquisition of blighted property shall be conducted under
ch. 32 or under any other law relating specifically to eminent domain procedures of authorities. The authority may hold, clear, construct, manage, improve or dispose of the blighted property, for the purpose of eliminating its status as blighted property. Notwithstanding
sub. (9), the authority may dispose of the blighted property in any manner. The authority may assist private acquisition, improvement and development of blighted property for the purpose of eliminating its status as blighted property, and for that purpose the authority shall have all the duties, rights, powers and privileges given to the authority under this section, as if it had acquired the blighted property.
66.431(5)(c)2.
2. Prior to acquiring blighted property under
subd. 1. or
1g., the authority shall hold a public hearing to determine if the property is blighted property. Notice of such hearing, describing the time, date, place and purpose of the hearing and generally identifying the property involved shall be given to each owner of the property, at least 20 days prior to the date set for the hearing, by certified mail with return receipt requested. If the notice cannot be delivered by certified mail with return receipt requested, or if the notice is returned undelivered, notice may be given by posting the notice at least 10 days prior to the date of hearing on any structure located on the property which is the subject of the notice. If the property which is the subject of the notice consists of vacant land, a notice may be posted in some suitable and conspicuous place on that property. For the purpose of ascertaining the name of the owner or owners of record of property which is subject to a public hearing under this subdivision, the records of the register of deeds of the county in which such property is located, as of the date of the notice required under this subdivision, shall be deemed conclusive. An affidavit of mailing or posting the notice which is filed as a part of the records of the authority shall be deemed prima facie evidence of that notice. In the hearing under this subdivision, all interested parties may express their views respecting the authority's proposed determination, but the hearing is only for informational purposes. Any technical omission or error in the procedure specified under this subdivision does not invalidate the designation or subsequent acquisition. If any owner of property subject to the authority's determination that the property is blighted property objects to that determination or to the authority's acquisition of that property, that owner shall file a written statement of his or her objections and the reasons for those objections with the authority prior to, at the time of, or within 15 days after the public hearing under this subdivision. Such statement shall contain the mailing address of the person filing the statement and be signed by or on behalf of that person. The filing of that statement shall be a condition precedent to the commencement of an action to contest the authority's actions under this paragraph.
66.431(5m)
(5m) Bonds to finance mortgage loans on owner-occupied dwellings. 66.431(5m)(a)(a) Subject to
par. (b), an authority may issue bonds to finance mortgage loans on owner-occupied dwellings. Bonds issued under this paragraph may be sold at a private sale at a price determined by the authority.
66.431(5m)(b)
(b) The redevelopment authority shall submit the resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds under
par. (a) to the common council for review. If the common council disapproves the resolution within 45 days after its submission, no bonds may be issued under the authority of the resolution.
66.431(5m)(c)1.
1. Issue mortgage loans for the rehabilitation, purchase or construction of any owner-occupied dwelling in the city.
66.431(5m)(c)2.
2. Issue loans to any lending institution within the city which agrees to make mortgage loans for the rehabilitation, purchase or construction of any owner-occupied dwelling in the city.
66.431(6)
(6) Comprehensive plan of redevelopment; designation of boundaries; approval by local legislative body. 66.431(6)(a)(a) The authority may make or cause to be made and prepare or cause to be prepared a comprehensive plan of redevelopment and urban renewal which shall be consistent with the general plan of the city, including the appropriate maps, tables, charts and descriptive and analytical matter. Such plan is intended to serve as a general framework or guide of development within which the various area and redevelopment and urban renewal projects may be more precisely planned and calculated. The comprehensive plan shall include at least a land use plan which designates the proposed general distribution and general locations and extents of the uses of the land for housing, business, industry, recreation, education, public buildings, public reservations and other general categories of public and private uses of the land. The authority is authorized to make or have made all other surveys and plans necessary under this section, and to adopt or approve, modify and amend such plans.
66.431(6)(b)
(b) For the exercise of the powers granted and for the acquisition and disposition of real property in a project area, the following steps and plans shall be requisite:
66.431(6)(b)1.
1. Designation by the authority of the boundaries of the proposed project area, submission of such boundaries to the local legislative body, and adoption of a resolution by two-thirds of such local legislative body declaring such area to be a blighted area in need of a blight elimination, slum clearance and urban renewal project. Thereafter, the local legislative body may, by resolution by two-thirds vote, prohibit for an initial period of not to exceed 6 months from enactment of such resolution any new construction in such area except upon resolution by the local legislative body that such proposed new construction, on such reasonable conditions as may be fixed therein, will not substantially prejudice the preparation or processing of a plan for the area and is necessary to avoid substantial damage to the applicant. Such order of prohibition shall be subject to successive renewals for like periods by like resolutions; but no new construction contrary to any such resolution of prohibition shall be authorized by any agency, board or commission of the city in such area except as herein provided. No such prohibition of new construction shall be construed to forbid ordinary repair or maintenance, or improvement necessary to continue occupancy under any regulatory order.
66.431(6)(b)2.
2. Approval by the authority and by two-thirds of the local legislative body of the redevelopment plan of the project area which has been prepared by the authority. Such redevelopment plan shall conform to the general plan of the city and shall be sufficiently complete to indicate its relationship to definite local objectives as to appropriate land uses, improved traffic, public transportation, public utilities, recreational and community facilities, and other public improvements in the project area, and shall include, without being limited to, a statement of the boundaries of the project area; a map showing existing uses and conditions of real property therein; a land use plan showing proposed uses of the area; information showing the standards of population density, land coverage and building intensity in the area after redevelopment; present and potential equalized value for property tax purposes; a statement of proposed changes, if any, in zoning ordinances or maps and building codes and ordinances; a statement as to the kind and number of site improvements and additional public utilities which will be required to support the new land uses in the area after redevelopment; and a statement of a feasible method proposed for the relocation of families to be displaced from the project area.
66.431(6)(b)3.
3. Approval of a redevelopment plan of a project area by the authority may be given only after a public hearing conducted by the authority and a finding by the authority that such plan is feasible and in conformity with the general plan of the city. Notice of such hearing, describing the time, date, place and purpose of the hearing and generally identifying the project area, shall be published as a class 2 notice, under
ch. 985, the last insertion to be at least 10 days prior to the date set for the hearing. In addition thereto, at least 20 days prior to the date set for the hearing on the proposed redevelopment plan of the project area a notice shall be transmitted by certified mail, with return receipt requested, to each owner of real property of record within the boundaries of the redevelopment plan. If transmission of such notice by certified mail with return receipt requested cannot be accomplished, or if the letter is returned undelivered, then notice may be given by posting the same at least 10 days prior to the date of hearing on any structure located on the property; or if such property consists of vacant land, a notice may be posted in some suitable and conspicuous place on such land. Such notice shall state the time and place at which the hearing will be held with respect to the redevelopment plan and that the owner's property might be taken for urban renewal. For the purpose of ascertaining the name of the owner of record of the real property within such project boundaries, the records, at the time of the approval by the redevelopment authority of the project boundaries, of the register of deeds of the county in which such property is located shall be deemed conclusive. Failure to receive such notice shall not invalidate the plan. An affidavit of mailing of such notice or posting thereof filed as a part of the records of the authority shall be deemed prima facie evidence of the giving of such notice. All interested parties shall be afforded a full opportunity to express their views respecting the proposed plan at such public hearing, but the hearing shall only be for the purpose of assisting the authority in making its determination and in submitting its report to the local legislative body. Any technical omission in the procedure outlined herein shall not be deemed to invalidate the plan. Any owner of property included within the boundaries of the redevelopment plan and objecting to such plan shall be required to state the owner's objections and the reasons therefor, in writing, and file the same with the authority either prior to, at the time of the public hearing, or within 15 days thereafter, but not subsequently thereto. The owner shall state his or her mailing address and sign his or her name thereto. The filing of such objections in writing shall be a condition precedent to the commencement of an action to contest the right of the redevelopment authority to condemn the property under
s. 32.06 (5).
66.431(6)(c)
(c) In relation to the location and extent of public works and utilities, public buildings and public uses in a comprehensive plan or a project area plan, the authority is directed to confer with the planning commission and with such other public officials, boards, authorities and agencies of the city under whose administrative jurisdictions such uses respectively fall.
66.431(6)(d)
(d) At any time after such redevelopment plan has been approved both by the authority and the local legislative body, it may be amended by resolution adopted by the authority, and such amendment shall be submitted to the local legislative body for its approval by a two-thirds vote before the same shall become effective. It shall not be required in connection with any amendment to the redevelopment plan, unless the boundaries described in the plan are altered to include other property that the provisions with respect to public hearing and notice be followed.
66.431(6)(e)
(e) After a project area redevelopment plan of a project area has been adopted by the authority, and the local legislative body has by a two-thirds vote approved the redevelopment plan the authority may at any time certify said plan to the local legislative body, whereupon the authority shall proceed to exercise the powers granted to it for the acquisition and assembly of the real property of the area. The local legislative body shall upon the certification of such plan by the authority direct that no new construction shall be permitted, and thereafter no new construction shall be authorized by any agencies, boards or commissions of the city in such area unless as authorized by the local legislative body, including substantial remodeling or conversion or rebuilding, enlargement, or extension or major structural improvements on existing buildings, but not including ordinary maintenance or remodeling or changes necessary to continue the occupancy.
66.431(6)(f)
(f) Any city in which a redevelopment authority is carrying on redevelopment under this section may make grants, loans, advances or contributions for the purpose of carrying on redevelopment, urban renewal and any other related purposes.
66.431(9)
(9) Transfer, lease or sale of real property in project areas for public and private uses. 66.431(9)(a)1.a.a. Upon the acquisition of any or all of the real property in the project area, the authority has power to lease, sell or otherwise transfer to a redevelopment company, association, corporation or public body, or to an individual, limited liability company or partnership, all or any part of the real property, including streets or parts thereof to be closed or vacated in accordance with the plan, for use in accordance with the redevelopment plan. No assembled lands of the project area shall be either sold or leased by the authority to a housing authority created under
s. 66.40 for the purpose of constructing public housing projects upon such land unless the sale or lease of the lands has been first approved by the local legislative body by a vote of not less than four-fifths of the members elected.
66.431(9)(a)1.b.
b. Any real property sold or leased under
subd. 1. a. shall be leased or sold at its fair market value for uses in accordance with the redevelopment plan, notwithstanding that the fair market value may be less than the cost of acquiring and preparing the property for redevelopment. In determining fair market value, an authority shall give consideration to the uses and purposes required by the redevelopment plan; the restrictions upon and covenants, conditions and obligations assumed by the purchaser or lessee, the objectives of the redevelopment plan for the prevention or recurrence of slum and blighted areas; and other matters that the authority considers appropriate.
66.431(9)(a)1.c.
c. A copy of the redevelopment plan shall be recorded in the office of the register of deeds in the county where the redevelopment project is located. Any amendment to the redevelopment plan, approved as herein provided for, shall also be recorded in the office of the register of deeds of the county.
66.431(9)(a)1.d.
d. Before the transfer, lease or sale of any real property in the project area occurs, a report as to the terms, conditions and other material provisions of the transaction shall be submitted to the local legislative body, and the local legislative body shall approve the report prior to the authority proceeding with the disposition of the real property.
66.431(9)(a)2.
2. Any lease, including renewal options, which can total more than 5 years shall be approved by the local legislative body.
66.431(9)(b)
(b) Any such lease or sale may be made without public bidding, but only after public hearing is held by the authority after notice to be published as a class 2 notice, under
ch. 985, and the hearing shall be predicated upon the proposed sale or lease and the provisions thereof.
66.431(9)(c)
(c) The terms of such lease or sale shall be fixed by the authority, and the instrument of lease may provide for renewals upon reappraisals and with rentals and other provisions adjusted to such reappraisals. Every such lease or sale shall provide that the lessee or purchaser shall carry out or cause to be carried out the approved project area redevelopment plan or approved modifications thereof, and that the use of such land or real property included in the lease or sale, and any building or structure erected thereon, shall conform to such approved plan or approved modifications thereof. In the instrument of lease or sale, the authority may include such other terms, provisions and conditions as in its judgment will provide reasonable assurance of the priority of the obligations of the lease or sale and of conformance to the plan over any other obligations of the lessee or purchaser, and also assurance of the financial and legal ability of the lessee or purchaser to carry out and conform to the plan and the terms and conditions of the lease or sale; also, such terms, conditions and specifications concerning buildings, improvements, subleases or tenancy, maintenance and management, and any other matters as the authority may impose or approve, including provisions whereby the obligations to carry out and conform to the project area plan shall run with the land. If maximum rentals to be charged to tenants are specified, provision may be made for periodic reconsideration of such rental bases.
66.431(9)(d)
(d) Until the authority certifies that all building constructions and other physical improvements specified by the purchaser have been completed, the purchaser shall have no power to convey the area, or any part thereof, without the consent of the authority and no such consent shall be given unless the grantee of the purchaser is obligated, by written instrument, to the authority to carry out that portion of the redevelopment plan which falls within the boundaries of the conveyed property and also that the grantee and the heirs, representatives, successors and assigns of the grantee, shall have no right or power to convey, lease or let the conveyed property or any part thereof, or erect or use any building or structure erected thereon free from obligation and requirement to conform to the approved project area redevelopment plan or approved modifications thereof.
66.431(9)(e)
(e) The authority may cause to have demolished any existing structure or clear the area of any part thereof, or specify the demolition and clearance to be performed by a lessee or purchaser and a time schedule for the same. The authority shall specify the time schedule and conditions for the construction of buildings and other improvements.
66.431(9)(f)
(f) In order to facilitate the lease or sale of a project area, or if the lease or sale is part of an area, the authority has the power to include in the cost payable by it the cost of the construction of local streets and sidewalks in the area, or of grading and any other local public surface or subsurface facilities or any site improvements necessary for shaping the area as the site of the redevelopment of the area. The authority may arrange with the appropriate federal, state, county or city agencies for the reimbursement of such outlays from funds or assessments raised or levied for such purposes.
66.431(10)
(10) Housing for displaced families; relocation payments. In connection with every redevelopment plan, the authority shall formulate a feasible method for the temporary relocation of persons living in areas that are designated for clearance and redevelopment. In addition, the authority shall prepare a plan which shall be submitted to the local legislative body for approval which shall assure that decent, safe and sanitary dwellings substantially equal in number to the number of substandard dwellings to be removed in carrying out the redevelopment are available or will be provided at rents or prices within the financial reach of the income groups displaced. The authority is authorized to make relocation payments to or with respect to persons (including families, business concerns and others) displaced by a project for moving expenses and losses of property for which reimbursement or compensation is not otherwise made, including the making of such payments financed by the federal government.
66.431(11)
(11) Modification of redevelopment plan. 66.431(11)(a)(a) An approved project area redevelopment plan may be modified at any time after the lease or sale of the area or part thereof provided that the modification is consented to by the lessee or purchaser, and that the proposed modification is adopted by the authority and then submitted to the local legislative body and approved by it. Before approval, the authority shall hold a public hearing on the proposed modification, and notice of the time and place of hearing shall be sent by mail at least 10 days prior to the hearing to the owners of the real properties in the project area and of the real properties immediately adjoining or across the street from the project area. The local legislative body may refer back to the authority any project area redevelopment plan, project area boundaries or modifications submitted to it, together with recommendations for changes in such plan, boundaries or modification, and if such recommended changes are adopted by the authority and in turn approved by the local legislative body, the plan, boundaries or modifications as thus changed shall be the approved plan, boundaries or modification.
66.431(11)(b)
(b) Whenever the authority determines that a redevelopment plan with respect to a project area that has been approved and recorded in the register of deed's office is to be modified to permit land uses in the project area, other than those specified in the redevelopment plan, the authority shall notify all purchasers of property within the project area of the authority's intention to modify the redevelopment plan, and it shall hold a public hearing with respect to the modification. Notice shall be given to the purchasers of the property by personal service at least 20 days prior to the holding of the public hearing, or if the purchasers cannot be found notice shall be given by registered mail to the purchasers at their last-known address. Notice of the public hearing shall also be given by publication as a class 2 notice, under
ch. 985. The notice shall specify the project area and recite the proposed modification and its purposes. The public hearing shall be merely advisory to the authority. After the authority, following the public hearing, determines that the modification of the redevelopment plan will not affect the original objectives of the plan and that it will not produce conditions leading to a reoccurrence of slums or blight within the project area, the authority may by resolution act to modify the plan to permit additional land uses in the project area, subject to approval by the legislative body by a two-thirds vote of the members elect. If the local legislative body approves the modification to the redevelopment plan, an amendment to the plan containing the modification shall be recorded with the register of deeds of the county in which the project area is located and shall supplement the redevelopment plan previously recorded. Following the action with respect to modification of the redevelopment plan, the plan shall be considered amended and no legal rights shall accrue to any person or to any owner of property in the project area by reason of the modification of the redevelopment plan.
66.431(11)(c)
(c) The provisions herein shall be construed liberally to effectuate the purposes hereof and substantial compliance shall be deemed adequate. Technical omissions shall not invalidate the procedure set forth herein with respect to acquisition of real property necessary or incidental to a redevelopment project.
66.431(12)
(12) Limitation upon tax exemption. The real and personal property of the authority is declared to be public property used for essential public and governmental purposes, and such property and an authority shall be exempt from all taxes of the state or any state public body; but the city in which a redevelopment or urban renewal project is located may fix a sum to be paid annually in lieu of such taxes by the authority for the services, improvements or facilities furnished to the project by the city if the authority is financially able to do so, but such sum shall not exceed the amount which would be levied as the annual tax of the city upon such project. However, no real property acquired under this section by a private company, corporation, individual, limited liability company or partnership, either by lease or purchase, shall be exempt from taxation by reason of such acquisition.
66.431(13)
(13) Cooperation by public bodies and use of city funds. To assist any redevelopment or urban renewal project located in the area in which the authority is authorized to act, any public body may, upon such terms as it determines: furnish services or facilities, provide property, lend or contribute funds, and perform any other action of a character which it is authorized to perform for other general purposes, and to enter into cooperation agreements and related contracts in furtherance of the purposes enumerated. Any city and any public body may levy taxes and assessments and appropriate such funds and make such expenditures as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subsection, but taxes and assessments shall not be levied under this subsection by a public body which has no power to levy taxes and assessments for any other purpose.
66.431(14)
(14) Obligations. For the purpose of financially aiding an authority to carry out blight elimination, slum clearance and urban renewal programs and projects, the city in which the authority functions is authorized, without limiting its authority under any other law, to issue and sell general obligation bonds in the manner and in accordance with the provisions of
ch. 67, except that no referendum shall be required, and to levy taxes without limitation for the payment thereof, as provided in
s. 67.035. The bonds authorized under this subsection shall be fully negotiable and except as provided in this subsection shall not be subject to any other law or charter pertaining to the issuance or sale of bonds.
66.431(15)
(15) Budget. The local legislative body shall approve the budget for each fiscal year of the authority, and shall have the power to alter or modify any item of said budget relating to salaries, office operation or facilities.
66.431(16)
(16) Legal services to authority. The legal department of any city in which the authority functions can provide legal services to such authority and a member of the legal department having the necessary qualifications may, subject to approval of the authority, be its counsel; the authority may also retain specialists to render legal services as required by it.
66.431(17)
(17) Construction. This section shall be construed liberally to effectuate the purposes hereof and the enumeration therein of specific powers shall not operate to restrict the meaning of any general grant of power contained in this section or to exclude other powers comprehended in such general grant.
66.431 History
History: 1973 c. 172;
1975 c. 4,
94,
350;
1979 c. 89,
110,
221;
1981 c. 20,
112,
232;
1983 a. 24,
189;
1985 a. 219;
1987 a. 27,
403;
1989 a. 31,
89;
1991 a. 316;
1993 a. 16,
112,
172,
184,
268,
301;
1995 a. 27,
225.
66.431 Annotation
The general rule of strict construction of eminent domain statutes does not apply due to the requirement of liberal construction of this section under sub. (17). Whether an area is "blighted" under this section may be determined by focusing on the general overall character of an area in the context of its surrounding neighbors. Grunwald v. City of West Allis, 202 W (2d) 472, 551 NW (2d) 36 (Ct. App. 1996).
66.431 Annotation
Obligations, including notes, issued by a redevelopment authority under 66.431, Stats. 1969, to evidence a direct loan from the federal government are subject to the provisions of said statute which limit the interest rate thereon to 6% per annum. 59 Atty. Gen. 256.
66.431 Annotation
A city may reimburse a commissioner of the city redevelopment authority for his legal expenses incurred where charges are filed against him in his official capacity seeking his removal from office for cause and such charges are found by the common council to be unsupported. Such reimbursement is discretionary. The city redevelopment authority lacks statutory authority to authorize reimbursement for such legal expenses. 63 Atty. Gen. 421.
66.431 Annotation
A redevelopment authority may condemn any property within the project area even though some portions of the urban renewal area are not in fact blighted. 65 Atty. Gen. 116.
66.431 Annotation
Certain local governments and public agencies may issue obligations to provide mortgage loans on owner-occupied residences. However, compliance with mortgage subsidy bond tax act of 1980 is necessary to allow exemption of interest from federal taxation.
71 Atty. Gen. 74.
66.432
66.432
Local equal opportunities.
