County staff to remove trailers, scrap from long-running Van Acker property

Walworth County enforcement staff told the Zoning Agency they expect to begin removing multiple trailers, vehicles and scrap from the long-running Van Acker property, but timing will depend on the contractor’s schedule.

“1 is the Van Acker property that we've talked about for a number of months,” Michael, a county LIRM staff member, told the agency, explaining staff had a contractor perform an on-site assessment and believed there was salvage value that could offset cleanup costs. Michael said Health & Human Services will be involved to ensure the resident is offered assistance and that law enforcement will be present during the execution of the order if needed.

Staff clarified the homeowner still owns the parcel and could remain on the site during parts of the process; Michael said the office is working to thread that needle and expects to have a plan in place prior to rollout. The agency did not set a firm removal date; Michael said the goal is for the work to be completed before the next meeting but that it is dependent on contractor availability.

The agency did not take formal action at the meeting beyond the update. Staff said they will return with any further developments and will coordinate services with Health & Human Services to address welfare concerns for the resident if needed.