Public Meetings - La Crosse, Wisconsin

The La Crosse Board of Public Works met on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 10:02 AM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations on the sanitary sewer and stormwater utility quarterly updates and the street department's spring operations, along with approval of a plumbing contract and a construction contract final payment. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from April 6, 2026, were approved unanimously via a motion by Council President Dickinson and second by Director Trane. - Bidder's Proof of Responsibility (25-1175): A motion by Director Trane, seconded by Council President Dickinson, approved Zimmerman Plumbing Inc. (Portage, Wisconsin) for plumbing work at $15,283,252. Vote: 5-0. - Construction Contract Final Payment (26-0396): A motion by Director Gallager, seconded by Council President Dickinson, approved final payment for the Lab Building Rehabilitation Phase 3. Vote: 5-0. Discussion Items - Sanitary Sewer Utility and Stormwater Utility Quarterly Update (25-1444): Jared presented an update on the sanitary sewer collection system. Key points included: - The city operates a 20 million gallon per day (MGD) wastewater plant, treating 10 MGD of sewage from 12 large industries and regional communities. - Infrastructure includes 205 miles of sanitary sewer pipe and 27 lift stations. - Proactive maintenance: 16.5 miles of sewer televised in 2025 (12.5 miles in 2024), with annual cleaning of one-third of the system (66 miles) and inspection of 500–4,000 manholes. - Ongoing lining projects from Clinton Street to the wastewater plant, with a goal to reach Division Street; a future project from Division Street to the island is planned. - A 2.5-mile force main from 33rd Street to Green Island Ice Arena was partially lined (2,000 feet) using eddy current inspection. - Lift station upgrades at Hager and Pamel Creek stations are budgeted at approximately $3 million. - Radio communication now allows control of all 27 sanitary and 6 storm stations from the plant, with backup capability in case of cyber attack. - Questions from board members: Director Trane asked about the cost to update all underground infrastructure; Jared noted it would be a tremendous amount, citing a $2–3 million project for lining a few thousand feet. Councilmember Goggin inquired about failure response; Jared described DNR reporting requirements and a past force main leak under the La Crosse River (January 2, 2019). - Claire then presented the stormwater utility quarterly update, highlighting the annual MS4 report submitted to the DNR. Key statistics: - 458 catch basins cleaned by sewer crew. - 5,382 tons of material collected via street sweeping. - 391 best management practices (BMPs) inspected; maintenance needed on 39. - 8 illicit discharges reported and followed up. - 8 construction projects completed; 30 new green infrastructure BMPs approved. - Total suspended solids (TSS) reduction at 17.3%, aiming for 20% (two new dry detention basins from WWTP upgrade will help). - Collaboration with other departments (parks, planning, street) was noted. Council President Dickinson asked for examples of illicit discharges; Claire cited draining a swimming pool with chlorine into a storm drain. - Street Department Updates (25-1456): Ryan presented current operations and spring activities: - First CIP road work completed on Liberty Street (St. Cloud to St. James); currently working on King Street between 2nd and 3rd, removing asphalt and concrete. - Winter repairs completed (sod, mailboxes, cleanup under Copeland Bridge; upcoming cleanup under George Street overpass). - George Street overlay detachment on April 6–7 required emergency scraping and removal. - Yard waste site opened March 30 (open Saturdays through Tuesdays until November). - Leaf pickup started April 13 with 6 crews on the north side, plus a crew from wastewater east of Lowe's; goal to complete in one week. - Brush pickup begins next week. - New product: Mastic for crack sealing (applied on Lowe's, Mormon Cooley, Copeland); it is waterproof and adheres to concrete/asphalt. - New pothole truck (5-ton with conveyor system) will start next week, reducing manual shoveling and workers' comp claims. - Zipping and milling repairs planned for 2nd Street near La Crosse Street. - Refuse/recycling contract with Harders expires end of 2027; rebidding process underway (request for bids within a month). - New hook-lift plow truck (hydraulic) will allow quick conversion between leaf vac and snow plow/salter; expected by mid-June for next leaf season. - 2026 CIP projects: 12–14 projects including park work (boat landing at Powerhouse Marine, Copeland Park, Loggers Park), slurry seal, crack seal, and concrete repair on River Valley. - Questions: Mayor Shaundel asked about encampment cleanups under bridges (Ryan confirmed yes for homeless cleanups). Council President Dickinson asked about refuse contract length; Ryan noted the previous contract was 7+7 years, but the new one will differ because the city now owns the carts. Director Trane asked about pothole reporting (call office or 311 online) and city responsibility for state highways (within city limits is city's responsibility). Councilmember Goggin requested future quantification of savings from new equipment; Ryan said brining savings are measurable (4,000 lbs salt per event vs. 16,000–18,000) and larger trucks reduce unloading time. Ryan also described staffing: during leaf pickup, most staff are assigned; typically 3–4 crews for different tasks; sign shop and electricians work separately. Key Outcomes - All three motions (minutes approval, bidder's proof of responsibility, construction contract final payment) passed unanimously with 5-0 votes. - No formal actions were taken on the presentations, but board members expressed appreciation for the updates and encouraged staff to report back on cost savings and emergency funding needs.

Note: The raw transcript incorrectly dates the meeting as Monday, May 13, 2026; however, the agenda, minutes, and assigned date confirm it occurred on Monday, April 13, 2026. The summary below follows the official date. The Climate Action Plan Steering Committee met on April 13, 2026, at 4:02 PM in the Eagle Room at City Hall. Chair Mackenzie Mindel called the meeting to order. All six present members (Dorothy Lenard, Casey Meehan, Mackenzie Mindel, Natalie Heneghan, Stephanie Hanna, Lauren Fortin) were present; Andrew Ericson was excused. The meeting was adjourned at 5:22 PM. Major items included approval of funding for bicycle/pedestrian counters, a performance contract update, a Youth Climate Action Fund impact presentation, and decisions on pursuing a new grant and communications plan. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by a voice vote (motion by Meehan, second by Hanna). Notices and Discussion - Zoning Code Update: Leslie Brandt from Bolton & Menk informed the committee that a draft model ordinance review memo and appendix had been circulated. The review covered over 40 ordinances across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, with recommendations for aligning with the city’s climate goals. Committee members were asked to submit comments by April 27. The final draft will be presented in May. - US Solar / Power Purchase Agreement: Lewis reported that US Solar submitted three project proposals to Xcel Energy in response to a request for proposals. The committee will receive an update once Xcel makes its selection. - Charging Smart Program: Staff noted that technical assistance funding from the Great Plains Institute for EV‑ready ordinances has been restored, building on the zoning work. - Housing Week: Heneghan announced La Crosse Housing Week (May 3–9), featuring free events including the “Dude, Where’s My Duplex?” tour. - Earth Fair & Green Goose Chase: Meehan reminded the committee of Earth Fair on Sunday, April 29, 2026 (11 AM–4 PM) at Myrick Park, and the Green Goose Chase kickoff on Friday, April 17 (4–6 PM) at the Pump House. The scavenger hunt runs through Earth Fair, aiming for 100 teams. Discussion Items 1. Request for Funding of Portable Bicycle & Pedestrian Counters (Item 26‑0207): - Jenna Dinkel (Associate Planner) and Sami Meyers (Parks & Recreation) presented a proposal to purchase four counters (one mobile multi‑counter with tubes and infrared, three pyro nano counters for natural surfaces) plus five years of EcoVisio software, totaling $12,505. The counters would provide baseline data for grants (e.g., Transportation Alternative Program, previously secured $600,000 for Avon St. Greenway), track mode shifts, and support climate action goals. They requested $6,252.50 (half the cost) from the committee, with the other half to be sought from the Bluffland Coalition and County Board. Committee members asked about vandalism (counters are rugged, monitored via software) and public data access (goal to create a dashboard). A motion by Lenard, seconded by Hanna, to approve the $6,252.50 funding passed unanimously by voice vote. 2. Energy Saving Performance Contract Phase 3, Year 2 Measurement & Verification Report (Item 26‑0335): - Doug Carlson (Johnson Controls) presented results. Phase 3 investments (city hall, libraries, fire stations, parks, street lighting, La Crosse Center) totaled over $9 million. Annual savings: $467,000 in energy costs, 4.5 million kWh consumption reduction, and 2,339 metric tons CO₂ avoided. Including rebates and operational savings, excess savings of $11,000 were realized. To date (phases 1–3): $1.3 million in energy cost reduction, 12.6 million kWh saved, 10,651 metric tons CO₂ avoided (equivalent to 2,322 vehicles/year). Phase 4 (fire stations 2&4, La Crosse Center solar expansion, Erickson Pool salt chlorination) is ongoing. Carlson explained that performance contracts are funded through guaranteed utility savings. No action was taken; the report was for information. 3. Youth Climate Action Fund La Crosse’s Impact Presentation (Item 26‑0376): - Staff shared slides from Bloomberg Philanthropies summarizing the global program: 98 cities, 38 countries, 10,000 young people, 3,000 projects, $11.3 million distributed. La Crosse received $150,000 across rounds, funding 39 projects (e.g., composting, pollinator gardens, farmers market EBT matching). The average micro‑grant locally was $4,330. The committee noted the city’s participation was through the Mississippi Rivers Cities and Towns Initiative. Staff indicated that a third round of funding (another $100,000) may be announced on Earth Day, but they are not certain of award. No action required; presentation received. 4. Grant Services Update and Request to Pursue Energy Innovation Grant Program (Item 26‑0411): - Staff reported that Mayor Shaundel requested nominations for the Mayor’s Climate Protection Awards; two submissions are in progress (home energy assessment program and energy performance contract). The Energy Innovation Grant Program (EIGP) opened in April (closes June 30). Staff requested support to pursue an implementation grant for a battery energy storage microgrid at the Main Library, building on a prior EIGP‑funded feasibility study. Collaboration with Slipstream and Johnson Controls is planned. A motion by Heneghan, seconded by Fortin, to direct staff to pursue the grant was approved unanimously by voice vote. 5. Climate Action Communication Plan Update (Item 26‑0412): - Staff discussed the latest newsletter (sent April 10), which highlighted Earth Day origins and included social media posts. Future steps include a May workshop for staff, a series of mini‑posters for Earth Fair, and a bingo card for the registration desk. Committee members offered suggestions: Heneghan recommended making campaigns more actionable and moving the Climate Action Plan website link higher in the newsletter; Mindel asked about a submission portal for community events; Cathy (a commenter) requested a way for community groups (e.g., EV events, transit advocacy) to share related programming. Staff noted that the Knowles‑Nelson Stewardship Program is at risk of running out of funding by end of June due to legislative inaction. No motion was made. Key Outcomes - Approved: Funding of $6,252.50 for portable bicycle/pedestrian counters (motion by Lenard, second by Hanna, voice vote unanimous). - Approved: Direction to staff to pursue the Energy Innovation Grant for a microgrid at the Main Library (motion by Heneghan, second by Fortin, voice vote unanimous). - For Information: The Energy Saving Performance Contract Phase 3 report and Youth Climate Action Fund presentation were received without formal action. - Next Steps: Comments on zoning code review due April 27; final zoning recommendations to be presented in May. The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2026, at 4 PM. Meeting minutes and recording are available from the City Clerk's office.

The La Crosse, Wisconsin Common Council met on Thursday, April 9, 2026, beginning at 6:44 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 400 La Crosse Street. Council President Tamra Dickinson presided, and all 13 council members were present. The Council approved routine items, confirmed appointments, considered a failed proposal to reopen the North Side Pool, adopted amended 2025/2026 budget carryovers, and denied Mayo Health System's appeal of a historic preservation designation. The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the March 3 and March 12, 2026 Common Council meetings unanimously. - Received and filed the February 2026 Financial Report from the Director of Finance unanimously. - Adopted a resolution approving 2025/2026 bills and engineering estimates paid in April 2026 unanimously. - Confirmed two groups of mayoral appointments unanimously, including Rachel MacFarland (Board of Zoning Appeals); Gina Miller (Economic and Community Development Committee); Jeannie Groskreutz and Scott Arenz (Aviation Board); Randi Pueschner (Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee); Vince Ristow (Building & Housing Appeals Board); Fred Giese and Heather Talbot (Citizens Board of Review); Katrina Bjornstad (City Plan Commission); Marlene De La Cruz-Guzman and Suzanne Anglehart (Library Board). - Awarded contracts unanimously: Gerke Excavating Inc., $207,061.40 for the St. Cloud Street - Avon Street to Liberty Street project; Fowler & Hammer, Inc., $99,620.50 for the 2026 Annual Sidewalk Infill project; and A-1 Excavating LLC, $604,415.00 for the Vine Street - 15th Street to 16th Street and 16th Street - Vine Street to State Street project. - Rejected all bids for the Non-compliant Laterals - King St project unanimously because bids exceeded budget. - Adopted the remaining consent agenda unanimously, including renaming the Arts Board as the Arts and Culture Board, alcohol and license approvals, dedication/vacation of city property, denial of Rolling Trees LLC's tobacco/vaping license, approval of the Featherstone Rise preliminary plat, TID 11 funding for a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon across Hwy 14/61, and the Arts Board budget carryover. A Certified Survey Map item was re-referred for 30 days to the May 2026 meetings. Item 26-0289 was removed from the consent agenda for separate consideration. Public Comments & Testimony - Public testimony occurred during the Mayo Health System appeal hearing; each speaker was limited to three minutes. - Samuel Lindner, a La Crosse resident, opposed the appeal and supported the historic designation, saying the designation does not prevent interior adaptation and that exterior review typically adds weeks, not years. - Paul Molling, a Mayo physician, supported the appeal, arguing health care changes rapidly and facility flexibility is necessary to care for patients. - Marc Zettler, West Salem, president of the Preservation Alliance of La Crosse, opposed the appeal, noting designation allows flexible building-code alternatives, high-efficiency windows can meet historic standards, matching materials remain available, and only exterior work is reviewed. - John Reiman, an HPC member and La Crosse resident, opposed the appeal, saying the building strongly meets designation criteria and is important to women's history in nursing. - Gordon Howie, Pleasant Valley, supported the appeal, saying patient needs must guide building flexibility. - Jennifer Livingston Thompson, Mayo Clinic Health System director of community engagement, supported the appeal, stating Mayo has invested millions, has no plans to demolish the building, and wants a collaborative process with the city. - Barbara Kooiman, a La Crosse historic preservation professional, opposed the appeal, citing prior buildings lost through council-approved demolition appeals and saying demolition cannot be undone. North Side Pool ARPA Interest Funds (26-0391) - This item was brought directly to Council after unanimous suspension of Council Rules XV and IX. The resolution would have appropriated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) interest funds to open and operate the North Side Pool at 816 Sill Street for the 2026 season. - Finance Director Hawkins said the ARPA interest account held about $500,000, ARPA interest funds have no federal expenditure deadline, and spending from that account would not affect the general fund or ERP. Parks Director Odegard said the pool was closed because of a $100,000 cut in the 2026 operating budget; operating costs were about $120,000 versus $30,000 revenue in 2025; 2025 usage was about 3,800 visits compared with 12,000 at Veterans Memorial and 14,000 at Erickson; and reopening by June 1 would be difficult. - Supporters, including Goggin, Kahlow, and Janssen, called the pool a safe community asset and described the ARPA interest funding as a creative funding solution. Opponents, including Newberry, Mindel, and Northwood, argued it was a one-year patch without a sustainable long-term plan and would not prevent a likely 2027 closure. - The motion failed 5-8. Voting yes were Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Kahlow, and Padesky. Voting no were Dickinson, Stine, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, and Northwood. TID 11 Funds for Civic Center Park (26-0276) - The resolution appropriated Tax Incremental District 11 funds, about $450,000, for Civic Center Park improvements. Staff said the project was moved up in the Capital Improvement Plan from 2030 to 2026 because TID 11 funds were available and could be put under contract by the October 12, 2026 deadline, avoiding general obligation borrowing. - The park infrastructure dates to the late 1970s and early 1980s and includes fountain pumps, leaking plumbing, heaved concrete, non-ADA picnic tables, and lighting upgrades. Staff noted TID 11 held about $2.6 million in cash, generates about $4.5 million in increment annually, and could close in about five years with roughly $17 million under current forecasts. - Padesky called the use of TID funds a no-brainer. Newberry questioned why the project was inserted mid-CIP after previously not making the funding cut. Staff also explained potential uses as a donor TID to TID 18 or through the Redevelopment Authority. - The resolution passed 10-3. Voting no were Dickinson, Newberry, and Northwood. 2025/2026 Carryover and Year-End Budget Adjustments (26-0314) - This amended resolution approved carryover of unexpended 2025 operating appropriations into 2026 and year-end adjustments for departmental cost overruns. - Finance Director Hawkins said the city as a whole finished 2025 about $74,248.82 under budget, but police and fire exceeded their budgets and were offset by surpluses in other departments. He described past underfunding of some departments as a financial strategy used to meet ERP, tax-rate, and budget constraints, and said he plans to move toward more transparent full-strength budgets. - The library director said the library came in more than $250,000 under budget due to deliberate decisions, including closing a branch and holding positions open; by state statute, those funds remain with the library. The Human Resources director requested a $19,780 carryover for a compensation market update that was not part of the approved 2026 budget. - Goggin and Janssen criticized the practice as a transparency failure. Trost noted similar carryover adjustments for police and fire had occurred in many prior years. An amendment offered by Janssen and Padesky passed 12-1, with Goggin voting no. The amended resolution then passed 11-2, with Goggin and Newberry voting no. Mayo Health System Historic Preservation Appeal (26-0322) - Although the agenda listed this as a possible closed-session item, the Council held the public hearing and final vote in open session. - Mayo Health System appealed the Heritage Preservation Commission's designation of 615 10th Street South as a historic structure. Mayo argued the designation could delay patient-care projects, complicate ADA compliance and energy-efficiency upgrades, restrict equipment and utility installations, and limit expansion flexibility. Mayo representatives stated the organization has no plans to demolish the building and has already invested millions in it. - Opponents and city staff responded that only exterior changes requiring building permits are reviewed, interior alterations are not regulated, designation allows flexible building-code alternatives, replacement windows and materials are available, and demolition would require a certificate of appropriateness and could still be appealed. Planning Director Acklin recommended denying the appeal, and HPC Chair Mindel said the commission followed its process correctly. - The Council voted 10-3 to deny the appeal, affirming the historic designation. Voting yes to deny were Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Trost, Bedford, and Northwood. Voting no were Dickinson, Newberry, and Weston. Key Outcomes - Approved all routine consent items, appointments, and contract awards by unanimous or recorded votes. - Failed to allocate ARPA interest funds for the North Side Pool by a 5-8 vote. - Authorized about $450,000 in TID 11 funds for Civic Center Park by a 10-3 vote. - Adopted the amended 2025/2026 carryover resolution by an 11-2 vote after approving the amendment 12-1. - Adopted the ARPA administration resolution (26-0289) unanimously after it was removed from the consent agenda. - Denied Mayo Health System's appeal by a 10-3 vote, leaving the historic designation in place.

The Finance & Personnel Committee met on April 9, 2026, to consider Resolution 26-0391, which would appropriate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) interest funds to open and operate the North Side Pool for the 2026 season. The meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m. and adjourned at 6:42 p.m. The committee voted unanimously to refer the resolution to the regular Common Council meeting later that same day with no recommendation. Public Comments & Testimony - Jerry Swim (733 Powell Street, near Red Cloud Park) spoke in strong support of the resolution. He stated he was representing the entire city, especially the north side, and expressed 100% support for the pool. He noted that the chambers would be jam-packed with people who care about the pool, and that the pool is a safe place for children and residents. He acknowledged the tight budget but thanked the council for working on the pool and other agenda items. Discussion Items - The committee considered Resolution 26-0391, which appropriates ARPA interest funds for the opening and operation of the North Side Pool located at 1816 Sill Street for the 2026 season. (The minutes list the address as 816 Sill Street; the transcript lists 1816 Sill Street. The agenda and minutes indicate the pool is at 816 Sill Street; the transcript appears to contain a typo.) The resolution was noted to have been short-circuited by Mayor Shondell Washington's veto on April 8, 2026. Key Outcomes - Motion: Councilmember Janssen moved to refer the resolution to the regular Common Council meeting on April 9, 2026, with no recommendation. Councilmember Sleznikow seconded. The motion carried unanimously (6–0). - The committee took no further action and adjourned.

This special meeting of the La Crosse Common Council was called by Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey to receive a status update and consider possible action regarding the Town of Campbell incorporation petition (La Crosse County Case 2024-CV-646). The Council convened in closed session to confer with legal counsel, then reconvened in open session to vote on whether to appeal a decision by the Incorporation Review Board (IRB). Discussion Items - The Council discussed the status of the Town of Campbell incorporation petition and the recent IRB decision. After closed session, Councilmember Padesky moved to appeal the IRB decision. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Newberry. Key Outcomes - Vote on Appeal: The motion to appeal the IRB decision on the Town of Campbell incorporation passed 10–1 (with 2 excused). Voting yes: Dickinson, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Northwood. Voting no: Goggin. Excused: Bedford, Weston. The meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m.

The La Crosse Common Council held a special meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026, called to order at 5:31 p.m. A quorum of 11 members was present, with Councilmembers Bedford and Weston excused. The sole agenda item was a status update and possible action regarding the Town of Campbell Incorporation Petition in La Crosse County, Case 204-CV-646. Agenda Item - The council introduced agenda item 26-386: "Status update and possible action regarding the Town of Campbell Incorporation Petition in La Crosse County, Case 204-CV-646." - The council announced that it may convene in closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(a) and (g) to confer with legal counsel, and may reconvene in open session afterward. - The available transcript ends immediately after this agenda item was introduced; no substantive discussion, public testimony, or formal action is included in the provided material. Key Outcomes - No votes, decisions, or directives are recorded in the available transcript. - The stated next step was a possible closed session with legal counsel, followed by potential reconvening in open session.

The La Crosse Arts Board met on April 7, 2026, at approximately 2:30 PM. Commissioners Friedland and Black were excused. New member Alex Fowler was welcomed. The board approved previous meeting minutes, received updates on a name change and budget, and voted on a grant deadline extension. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the previous meeting by unanimous voice vote. Discussion Items - Board Name Change (26-0353): Mayor Washington Spivey proposed renaming the Arts Board to the Arts and Culture Board to expand its purview and qualify for additional grant opportunities. He stated that the change would not immediately alter the board's scope or increase operational funding, but could allow future cultural grants to flow through the board. The item was informational only; no vote was taken. - Budget Update (26-0354): Staff member Jackie reported on the current grant cycle. To date, $19,000 in community impact grants and $3,500 in creative development grants had been awarded. Remaining funds include $14,000 allocated for four creative development grants and five small project grants. Jackie indicated that approximately $23,000 remains in the total grant pot, leaving an estimated $9,000 after all scheduled grants are disbursed. She noted that Letty Mural carry-over funds had faced a hurdle but were expected to be approved by the full council on April 9. Mayor Spivey encouraged the board to seek external funding sources, including grants and private donations. - Grant Deadline Extension (26-0355): Jackie requested that the board deny her earlier proposal to extend the April 1 grant submission deadline to May 1, as two applications were received on the final day. The board moved to deny the extension. Key Outcomes - Vote on Deadline Extension: The motion to deny the extension passed 6–1 (six in favor, one opposed), maintaining the April 1 deadline. - No Action on Name Change or Budget: Both items were informational updates; no votes taken. - Upcoming Events: Artist Letty will begin a mural at the La Crosse Public Library on April 26, with related public workshops and university engagements.

The Board of Public Works met on Monday, April 6, 2026, at La Crosse City Hall. The meeting was called to order at 10:08 AM (transcript) with all five members present: Andrea Trane, Erin Goggin, Matt Gallager, Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey, and Tamra Dickinson. The board approved minutes from March 30, 2026, and handled a series of street privilege permits, construction change orders, and an intersection closure. Several items were approved unanimously or by consent. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from March 30, 2026 (unanimous). - Xcel Energy Street Privilege Permits (agenda items 26-0356 through 26-0362 and 26-0369): All seven permits approved unanimously, including renewals for gas lines, transformer replacements, and service conversions. - Charter Communications Street Privilege Permits (agenda items 26-0363 through 26-0368): All six permits approved unanimously, including requests for communications infrastructure and power supply cabinets. - Brightspeed of Wisconsin, LLC Permits (26-0370, 26-0371, 26-0374): Three permits approved unanimously for communications in right-of-way. - Metro Fibernet LLC Permit (26-0372): Approved unanimously for communications near 3000 South Ave. - Win, LLC Permit (26-0373): Approved unanimously for communications in right-of-way west of 26th Street. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded. Discussion Items - Street Department Updates (26-1456): Referred to the next Board of Public Works meeting on April 13, 2026, without a formal motion. Director Gallagher noted crews are cleaning up on George Street. - Review of 2025 Stormwater MS4 Annual Report to Wisconsin DNR (26-0334): Presented by Stormwater Coordinator Claire Champs. The report summarizes compliance with the permit. The board voted to receive and file the report unanimously. - Construction Contract Change Orders (26-0336): Three change orders were considered: (1) La Crosse Public Library Furniture (increase of $9,460, final change for the contract); (2) 2025 Carroll Park Improvements (change order 4, used contingency for ADA compliance and concrete work, expected completion in 4-6 weeks); (3) Highway 16 Water Transmission Main South (net addition of $20,904.66). Board members requested clearer documentation of contingency usage in the forms. Approved unanimously. - Review of 2nd Street and King Street Intersection Closure (26-0352): Presented by Jamie. The closure is needed for a sanitary connection as part of the neighborhood greenway extension. Closure expected to last 2 to 3 weeks, weather dependent. Businesses notified. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Referral: Street Department Updates referred to April 13, 2026. - Receive and File: 2025 Stormwater MS4 Annual Report. - Approved (all unanimous): All three construction change orders; 2nd & King Street intersection closure; 7 Xcel Energy permits; 6 Charter Communications permits; 3 Brightspeed permits; 1 Metro Fibernet permit; 1 Win LLC permit. - Directive: Staff to revise change order forms to clearly show remaining contingency after usage. - Meeting adjourned at 10:26 AM. Note: There is a slight discrepancy between the meeting start time: official minutes record 10:00 AM, while the raw transcription indicates a call to order at 10:08 AM.

The Finance & Personnel Committee of the La Crosse City Council met on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Chair Erin Goggin called the meeting to order. All five committee members were present (Aron Newberry, Barb Janssen, Chris Kahlow, Erin Goggin, Larry Sleznikow); Rosanne Northwood was excused. The meeting adjourned at 7:27 PM after considering eight agenda items. Consent Calendar - No items were considered as a consent agenda; all resolutions were taken individually. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public hearing opened for item 26-0204. Discussion Items - 26-0204: Right-of-Way Dedication and Vacation – Unanimously recommended to adopt. No discussion. - 26-0238: Allocation of Unused Sanitary Sewer Funds for WWTP – Unanimously recommended. No discussion. - 26-0258: TID 11 Funding for Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) along Hwy 14/61 for Wagon Wheel Trail – Staff explained the location was chosen to meet DOT requirements for a crossing, moved slightly south to fall within TID 11 boundary and anticipate future housing. Unanimous recommendation. - 26-0276: TID 11 Funds for Civic Center Park – Staff described upgrades to fountains, lighting, and sidewalks. Councilmember Newberry voted no after questioning the CIP prioritization process and the timing of TID 11 closure. Recommendation passed 4-1. - 26-0289: Administration of ARPA Funds – Staff detailed reallocation of under-budget project funds to replenish ARPA interest and general fund, with future council approval required. Unanimous recommendation. - 26-0301: Arts Board Carryover from 2025 to 2026 – Staff explained funds were for a library mural delayed due to late design approval. Unanimous recommendation. - 26-0314: Operating Budget Carryovers and 2025 Year-End Adjustments – Extensive discussion. Police Chief Coudron and Fire Chief Shot highlighted significant overruns in overtime and severance, arguing budgets were systematically underfunded. Finance Director Hawkins noted the city overall ended the year in the black. Councilmember Newberry and Goggin opposed. Recommendation passed 3-2. - 26-0001: Collective Bargaining Update – No action taken; closed session was not convened. Key Outcomes - The committee recommended five resolutions unanimously (26-0204, 26-0238, 26-0258, 26-0289, 26-0301) to the Common Council for adoption on April 9, 2026. - Resolution 26-0276 (Civic Center Park) was recommended 4-1, with Newberry dissenting. - Resolution 26-0314 (year-end adjustments) was recommended 3-2, with Newberry and Goggin dissenting. - No action was taken on the collective bargaining update.