STURGEON BAY — A proposed agreement to annex land that would become the site of a Wal-Mart Supercenter was unanimously shot down Tuesday by the Sturgeon Bay City Council.

The council voted 7-0 to reject the proposal sent by the retail chain for a preannexation agreement for property along State 42-57 in the town of Sturgeon Bay.

The vote drew applause from about 70 people, many of whom had marched on City Hall before the meeting, calling for a ban on big-box retailers in the community.

The city's Plan Commission had been scheduled to discuss the request for an agreement today but that is a moot point — at least until another possible agreement is proposed by Wal-Mart.

However, the commission will discuss possible changes in the city ordinance governing "big-box" retail outlets of more than 50,000 square feet.

Opponents of the Wal-Mart and other developments have called for a cap on the size of large stores.

Wal-Mart attorneys contacted the city April 6 regarding property its real estate arm had contracted to buy for an 180,000-square-foot Supercenter.

"This is so flawed the consequences could be huge," said Alderman David McAllister. "As I read this, if we sign it, we're fully obligated to do everything they want — to practically annex the property and give them the zoning."

Alderman Stephen Mann suggested a referendum vote in September or November to get the feeling of county voters on the issue.

"By that time, everybody should be well-educated about the issue," he said.

The council may take up the wording of a referendum question at its May 2 meeting.

— Ray Barrington writes for the Door County Advocate.