Sheridan Springs Property

Said he was prepared to offer $750,000 but withdrew because the outcome appeared decided; demanded the city disclose the appraisal, arguing a sale far below value to a well-connected buyer looks improper.

Asked the council to support Simple Food Group despite a lower price, saying long-term community benefit outweighs top dollar.

Spoke for the tree board favoring Symphony Bay trees and detailed Tom Hartz's architecture and planning background in support of the sale.

Argued the land isn't legally surplus, said his own solar-parking/drive-in theater ideas were taken without credit, and predicted the city would lose revenue by selling.

Strongly supported both the Simple purchase and trolley purchase, citing the BID's three-year effort and the trolley as an alternative to a $12 million parking garage.

A 32-year lending/construction veteran urged the city to qualify the buyer, market the property through commercial realtors, and possibly take a 60-day due-diligence period, valuing the land at $1.1–3 million.

Endorsed the trolley effort and Simple's purchase as community-centered development by a homegrown business that reinvests locally.

A Simple Cafe server since age 17 gave a personal testament to Tom and Young's mentorship and character, calling them ideal stewards of the land.

An executive recruiter argued Simple provides workforce training the community and schools cannot afford to provide.

Wholeheartedly endorsed the Simple purchase, calling the owners smart, experienced, and long-committed to the process.

BID director detailed the local-investment multiplier, parking data, and the BID's trolley business plan, sponsorships, and grant strategy.

Geneva Square's investment manager argued the property is worth significantly more, should be marketed to more developers for a mixed-use project, and urged the council to 'put the brakes on.'

Owner of Yuppie Hill Poultry farm described her long supplier relationship with Simple and praised the owners' community character.

A former Simple waitress described how Tom and Young gave her start and direction in life, supporting the sale.

A personal friend of the owners, he criticized Geneva Square's late interest and urged the council to honor the negotiated agreement.

The Simple Food Group owner argued his 'regenerative business' model, acceptance of the city's counter-offer terms, and 16 years of community investment justify the sale; noted five public meetings and five newspaper articles on the process.

Briefly urged the council to complete the transaction, joking he 'still loves pancakes.'

Urged ratification of the signed counter-offer to protect the city's credibility, and also voiced support for the trolley item.

The Simple co-owner spoke about measuring value beyond dollars and building a model community through relationships.

Cited the staff report timeline and urged the council to return the property to the tax roll with a fair offer.

Enthusiastically supports Simple Food Group buying the property, citing the cafe, bakery, teaching kitchen, pond rehabilitation, and a privately funded trailhead that saves taxpayer money.

Says his own two-year-old proposal for the property was appropriated without credit; criticizes the process, though he backs Hartz and Cho personally.

Strongly opposes the sale, arguing the land was wrongly declared surplus, the deal is happening behind closed doors, and the buyer — a former mayor — has a history of failed city projects.

Calls the sale a no-brainer on the facts: taxable land, lump-sum revenue, a deeded trailhead commitment, and a trusted community partner.

Baffled by opposition, citing Simple's community fundraising for Special Olympics and DECA and their plan to pay for the trailhead.

Supports the sale, citing the Hartz and Chow families' track record and frustration with the $9 million Hillmor tab generating no revenue.

Presented budget figures showing Hillmor maintenance costs jumping from $10,716 (2024) to a budgeted $93,814 (2026), arguing the sale frees public works and urges selling all four parcels.

Backs the sale as removing a non-core asset, creating taxable property, and expanding Hillmor access without city expense.

Reads back alderperson Yager's own September 11 statement calling for full planning of all Hillmor zones before any sale, arguing the surplus designation contradicts it.

Reads aloud Ald. Hoiland's email raising process-reputation concerns and his own reply stressing Simple followed the city's own policy and sought no special advantage.

A nine-year-old Simple fan hopes the purchase means shorter lines, school field trips, and jobs, and wants to learn farming and cooking there.

Proud of her nine-year-old son speaking; argues young families are being priced out and Lake Geneva makes it too hard for proven local businesses to grow.

A farmer who's supplied Simple for ~15 years says buying local matters, small farms are failing, and this project helps reconnect the community to local food.

Just learned of the deal and is unhappy with the transparency; worries about wildlife on the road and congestion, and loves Hillmor — hopes it happens 'not there and not now.'

Simple co-founder lays out 16 years of community investment — culinary education, farmer partnerships, food pantry donations, fire service — and asks the council to commit to a proven partner.

Speaking for nonprofits Simple has supported, says 'changing the world one bite at a time' is real, the company followed the council's rules, and the taxable property benefits everyone.

Notes nobody called the idea itself terrible — only process — and says Simple has acted with integrity and can be trusted to adjust.

Local sausage maker recounts Simple's support during COVID and its local-farm donations, urging the council to back good food and local cooperation.

Young farmer says appearances alone shouldn't decide it, praises Simple's COVID transparency, and describes plans to process surplus sweet corn with Simple.

As a BID member and former mayor, commends the council for following the law and calls the sale vision and forward thinking for a vacant property.

Challenges the need for closed session at all and asks the council to vote in the open and release the appraisal and offer documents.

Former mayor (2010-2016) gives history: the land was never part of Hillmor, was always intended for sale, and the Fairfield Inn parcel has paid over $700,000 in taxes since 2020.

Supports the sale; says the highest bidder isn't always the best fit in a community this size, and Simple's educational mission serves all ages.

Pushes back on transparency complaints, noting 75+ minutes of open comment, and urges the council to 'find a reason to say yes' to good neighbors.

A Simple employee of 15 months describes a workplace culture unlike typical restaurant industry norms, with mentorship and community engagement from leadership down.

Five-year Simple employee and bakery general manager describes the company's character, staff investment, food pantry donations, and calls it a commitment issue.