City of Milwaukee - File #: 260425

• File #: 260425
• Version: 0
• Type: Resolution
• Status: Passed
• File created: 7/14/2026
• In control: COMMON COUNCIL
• Final action: 7/31/2026
• Title: Resolution authorizing an exclusive right to negotiate with U.S. Venture, Inc. for the City-owned parcel at 1776 South Harbor Drive - Parcel F at Port Milwaukee, in the 14th Aldermanic District.
• Sponsors: ALD. A. PRATT
• Indexes: LEASES, PORT OF MILWAUKEE

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
8/3/2026	0	MAYOR	SIGNED
7/31/2026	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ADOPTED	Pass	15:0
7/22/2026	0	PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE	RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION; Minutes note: Appeared Benjamin Timm (Port Director) The parcel is about 3.5 acres and is adjacent to US Venture’s existing leasehold within the port. US Venture has been a port tenant for approximately 12 years. The company requested (and was granted) a two-year exclusive right to negotiate a new lease for Parcel F with the City. This does not constitute a lease, but prevents the city from negotiating with other entities for that parcel during the period. US Venture will pay the city $5,000 per year for this exclusive negotiation right. After the negotiation, any new lease agreement would return to both the Board of Harbor Commissioners and the Common Council for final approval before execution.	Pass	5:0
7/14/2026	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

Number
260426
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference

Sponsor
ALD. PRATT
Title
Resolution authorizing an exclusive right to negotiate with U.S. Venture, Inc. for the City-owned parcel at 1776 South Harbor Drive - Parcel F at Port Milwaukee, in the 14th Aldermanic District.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes Port Milwaukee to issue a two-year Exclusive Right to Negotiate letter for 1776 South Harbor Drive - Parcel F to U.S. Venture, Inc. allowing them to evaluate new investment opportunities and facility improvements before entering into a long-term lease.
Body
Whereas, Port Milwaukee has been marketing the 3.5-acre parcel at 1776 South Harbor Drive - Parcel F for a maritime-related commercial use; and

Whereas, U.S. Venture, Inc. is a Wisconsin-based company that has been a tenant at Port Milwaukee since 2014 and is currently leasing parcels totaling 13.12-acres immediately north and east of Parcel F; and

Whereas, U.S. Venture, Inc.’s facility consists of bulk liquid storage and infrastructure to move light petroleum products, biodiesel and ethanol to trucks, rail, and barge; and

Whereas, U.S. Venture, Inc. is exploring opportunities to invest in new equipment, storage capacity, and personnel. Increased use of their Milwaukee facility would result in a long-term lease and an increase in wharfage fees; and

Whereas, U.S. Venture Inc.’s prior lease for this location included a right of first refusal with respect to Parcel F; however, that right was not carried forward into the current lease and in light of U.S. Venture’s long-standing tenancy and adjacent operations, granting an Exclusive Right to Negotiate for Parcel F is appropriate and provides U.S. Venture a reasonable opportunity to evaluate and advance potential investment in the site; and

Whereas, During the exclusivity period, the parties will negotiate in good faith toward a lease, and Port Milwaukee will agree not to solicit, entertain, or engage in discussions or negotiations with any third party r...