SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - Work on changes to Field of Dreams North in Sheboygan is now delayed after a court ruling Thursday.
Calumet County Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Froelich ruled in favor of placing a temporary restraining order against the Sheboygan Area School District and Aurora to prevent them from preparing the property for new athletic fields east of Taylor Drive, followed by the construction of a new medical building west of Taylor Drive.
Opponents to the plan went to court after failing to stop the school district from selling the west parcel of land to Aurora, and the City of Sheboygan from rezoning it to allow for a new medical building.
The legal issue in question is whether closed session discussions between the school district and Aurora regarding the land sale violated the open meetings law, making the land sale illegal.
The plantiffs say none of the closed sessions identify Field of Dreams as being the topic of discussion, thus keeping the public in the dark about the possible sale until it was announced in February.
The school district claims they acted properly for the situation, given that Aurora would back out of the deal if it became public, and that public comment would be taken before an official decision would be made.
In his ruling, Judge Froelich said the school district might be at fault for not keeping the public informed properly about its closed session discussions.
However, a ruling that would decide if this action justifies voiding the land sale is still pending.
Plantiff attorney Todd Basler provided a statement to WHBL News. "This case is not just about a special piece of public property. It is more profound and fundemental than that. This case is about every citizens' right to know what their goverment is doing. The citizens of Sheboygan deserve nothing less and I will defend their right vigorusly."
As for the Sheboygan Area School District, Superintendent Joe Sheehan says the district is going over its options. He tells WHBL News the district's legal team will meet over the next several days to discuss what options are available and what their next step will be.