Public Meetings - La Crosse, Wisconsin

The Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) met on October 14, 2026 (note: the transcript references October 13, 2026, but official records indicate the meeting occurred on October 14). The meeting included a presentation on the Regional Safety Action Plan, a review of the Week Without Driving events, a discussion on bike parking design standards, and a grant update for the King Street Greenway. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the previous meeting were approved without corrections (motion by Andrew, second by Stephanie). Public Comments & Testimony - Kathy (non-committee member) expressed concern that the Lozy Boulevard corridor has been studied repeatedly without implementation, asking what enforcement mechanisms accompany the new Safety Action Plan. - Kathy also suggested that the city consider installing bicycle hangers (Cycle Hoop) in residential areas to provide secure covered bike storage, and inquired whether the proposed bike parking design standards would apply to city-provided parking. Discussion Items Regional Safety Action Plan - Cotter Cox (Bolton and Mank) presented the draft La Crosse Region Safety Action Plan, developed over the past year with LAPC and partners. - Crash data highlights: 60 fatal crashes, 451 serious injury crashes, and approximately 26,000 total crashes over 10 years; over 60% occurred at intersections. - The High Injury Network (11.5% of road miles) accounts for more than two-thirds of fatal and serious injury crashes. - Community engagement identified top concerns: speeding, pedestrian infrastructure gaps, intersection safety, distracted driving, inconsistent bicycle facilities, and limited crossing opportunities. - Conceptual designs were developed for three locations: Highway 16 & North Kinney Cooley (recommended roundabout), Lozy Boulevard and Clinton Street (separated bikeways). - Three demonstration projects were identified: Lozy Boulevard crossing enhancements, and curb extensions on Pearl and Elm streets. - The plan also includes programmatic and policy recommendations, a funding/implementation section, and a data dashboard for ongoing crash tracking. - Next steps: The plan will go to the LAPC policy board for adoption; constituent communities will be encouraged to adopt Vision Zero resolutions. - Kevin (committee member) stated he was "extremely disappointed" with the plan, arguing it fails to challenge the assumption that 95% of trips are made by car and called on decision-making bodies to reject the document. - The committee discussed the plan's coordination with WisDOT and the city's existing bike plan. Week Without Driving - Kathy reported on the annual Week Without Driving event. Key outcomes: good media coverage; approximately 35 participants in the Ride with Electeds; one new bus rider committed to permanent transit use; twelve bingo cards returned, mostly from new participants. - Challenges: limited participation from elected officials (only Councilmember Chris Kahlo participated in a bus ride), and a need for earlier planning and more volunteers. - Andrew suggested forming a planning review group to improve future events. - Photos of the ride with elected officials were shared, showing turnout from local and federal staff, a county board supervisor, and a French Island trustee. Bike Parking Design Standards - Andrew presented a proposal to update the zoning code’s short-term bike parking standards by banning ineffective rack types (e.g., wave, wheel bender) and requiring U-lock-compatible, two-point-contact upright racks. - A new long-term indoor bike parking requirement for multi-family developments was proposed, with possible exemptions for smaller projects (e.g., fewer than 12 units) based on research from other cities. - Committee members supported the short-term standards but expressed concerns about the feasibility of long-term requirements for smaller-scale development. - Discussion included the need to coordinate with the fire department regarding e-bike and scooter battery storage. - No formal recommendation was made; the item was tabled for a future meeting. King Street Greenway - Jenna announced that the city was awarded $85,000 from the Transportation Alternatives Program for the King Street Greenway from 3rd to 7th Street, completing the corridor from Front to 8th Street. - The total project cost is $1.2 million, which includes road utility improvements in addition to bike and pedestrian treatments. - Planned features: curb extensions, green infrastructure, and a refuge island at 7th Street. - Construction between Front and 2nd Street is underway, and the 3rd and 4th street segments will be built as part of a larger street project. Other Updates - A public information meeting for the Green Bay Street STP Urban project was noted (details to follow). - The comment deadline for the Highway 16 Community-Sensitive Design Fund is October 30, 2026. - Kathy announced the White Cane Safety Day proclamation event on October 15, 2026. Key Outcomes - The committee unanimously approved the previous meeting’s minutes. - The Safety Action Plan is scheduled for adoption by the LAPC policy board; committee members will review the draft and provide feedback. - A review group for the 2027 Week Without Driving will be convened. - No decision was reached on bike parking design standards; discussion will continue at a subsequent meeting. - The King Street Greenway TAP grant award was accepted; project development will proceed.

The Board of Estimates convened on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, to discuss and finalize the recommended 2027 Operating Budget. The meeting began with a public hearing where multiple residents expressed strong opposition to funding for FLOC/ALPR surveillance technology. Following the public hearing, council members debated two budget scenarios: Scenario 1, which used reserve funds to avoid a tax increase, and Scenario 2, which included a modest tax increase. After deliberation, the board rejected Scenario 1 and approved Scenario 2. Public Comments & Testimony - Laura Abelara (La Crosse resident): Expressed strong opposition to tax dollars going toward FLOC and ALPR technology. Argued that funds should be invested in libraries, parks, youth programming, and harm reduction services. Raised concerns about privacy, civil liberties, disproportionate impact, and legal risks from a recent federal court ruling on Fourth Amendment violations. Noted that over 40 Wisconsin jurisdictions have ended FLOC contracts. - Roxanne Marina (La Crosse resident): Described the panopticon effect and argued that mass surveillance is a form of surveillance capitalism that normalizes constant observation, harming mental health. Acknowledged cameras may aid law enforcement but emphasized the shadow side of control and oppression. - Justin Urness (La Crosse resident): Stated disagreement with FLOC cameras and surveillance, citing potential for misuse and no actual increase in safety. - Elaine Stevens (La Crosse resident), software engineer: Opposed any ALPR technology. Highlighted costs beyond installation, including maintenance, lawsuits due to misuse, and security vulnerabilities such as unencrypted data and easy system compromise. - Sadie Kuhl (North side La Crosse resident): Opposed using tax dollars for surveillance, noting that effective crime-reducing services have been cut. Referenced a letter from the People's Council. Questioned why La Crosse is considering continuing the contract when more conservative communities are ending theirs. - Andrew Sherman (La Crosse resident): Strongly opposed to surveillance funding. Emphasized that systems are easily compromised, data enters a national database accessible by many agencies, and the potential for bad actors. Mentioned the Fourth Amendment ruling as a legal risk to the city. - Jake Fischer (La Crosse resident): Opposed spending on FLOC and ALPRs. Characterized constant surveillance as a tactic of control rather than public safety. Urged investment in community services that are proven to reduce crime. - Anna Sprague (La Crosse resident, mother of three): Expressed concerns about misuse of surveillance data, particularly regarding AI-generated content and access by bad actors. Did not support tax dollars for these systems. - Kevin Hundt (La Crosse resident): Cited multiple examples of police officers across Wisconsin abusing FLOC systems to track ex-partners. Argued that FLOC constitutes mass surveillance in violation of the Fourth Amendment. Warned that lawsuits from civil liberties organizations are likely. - Nicholas Padesky (downtown La Crosse resident): Raised privacy and financial concerns. Noted that while other city departments face cuts, investing in constitutionally questionable technology is fiscally irresponsible. Encouraged private investment in evidence-based programs like Pathways Home. - Tommy Means (La Crosse resident): Opposed surveillance spending, urging the council to consider which side of history they want to be on regarding citizens' rights. Note: The official minutes list 10 public speakers, while the transcript includes an additional speaker (Tommy Means). All speakers were unanimously opposed to FLOC/ALPR funding. Discussion Items - Council members debated two budget scenarios: Scenario 1 (use $681,000 from reserves to avoid a tax increase) and Scenario 2 (implement a modest tax increase of approximately $13.06 per $100,000 of property value). - Councilmember Sleznikow and Janssen opposed using reserves, arguing it sets a bad precedent and that the city should instead implement gradual tax increases to address structural deficits. Councilmember Trost supported using reserves, noting the fund balance exceeds the 20% minimum and that it could ease the tax burden on residents. - Councilmember Janssen suggested potential cuts to memberships and travel budgets but did not make formal motions. - Mayor Washington-Spivey defended the use of reserves, highlighting that the city's unassigned fund balance is $5 million over the required 20%, and that state shared revenue constraints put municipalities in a difficult position. - Councilmember Newberry suggested a reserve fund policy with a ceiling (e.g., 30%) and expressed reluctance to tap reserves while below that threshold. - Discussion also addressed public comments regarding the FLOC contract. Councilmembers sought clarification on the current contract status and the city's response. Mayor Washington-Spivey stated he would take the comments and consult with the police department. - Councilmember Northwood asked about additional costs related to FLOC, such as officer and IT time, and called for full accounting of the system's true cost. Key Outcomes - Motion to open public hearing: Carried unanimously (8-0). - Motion to close public hearing: Carried unanimously (8-0). - Motion to approve 2027 Operating Budget Scenario 1 (use reserves): Failed (3-5). Voting yes: Dickinson, Washington-Spivey, Trost. Voting no: Northwood, Janssen, Mindel, Newberry, Sleznikow. - Motion to approve 2027 Operating Budget Scenario 2 (tax increase): Passed (5-3). Voting yes: Mindel, Dickinson, Janssen, Newberry, Sleznikow. Voting no: Washington-Spivey, Trost, Northwood. - The approved budget will be recommended to the full Common Council for final approval in November 2026. Mayor Washington-Spivey encouraged residents to lobby state representatives for changes to shared revenue formulas. - Meeting adjourned at 5:03 p.m.

The Board of Estimates convened on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers for a single agenda item: discussion, review, and potential finalization of the recommended 2027 Operating Budget. The meeting was open for in-person attendance and via video conference. No transcript or minutes are available; therefore, no detailed discussion, public testimony, or official actions are documented. Discussion Items - 26-0588 2027 Operating Budget: The sole agenda item was the review and possible finalization of the recommended operating budget for fiscal year 2027. Members present included Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey and Council Members Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Kahlow, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, and Northwood. No further substantive discussion or remarks are recorded. Key Outcomes - No votes, directives, or final decisions are attributable due to the absence of meeting minutes or transcription.

This was a test meeting of the La Crosse Common Council, presided over by Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey. The meeting agenda originally listed the date as October 1, 2026, but this summary uses the provided date of October 13, 2026, reflecting a discrepancy between the agenda and the recorded meeting date. All items on the agenda were designated as test items. No minutes or transcript are available, so no discussion, public comments, or votes are recorded. Agenda Items - Approval of Minutes: Consideration of minutes from a test meeting. - Reports: No specific reports detailed. - 26-0926: Test item with a very long caption (repeated phrase). - 26-0927: Test ordinance. The agenda noted the possibility of convening in closed session under Wis. Stats. sec. 19.85(1)(a) to deliberate a decision, with potential reconvening in open session. - 26-0928: Test item – a resolution doubling the pay of staff in the clerk’s office. The agenda noted the possibility of closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(g) to confer with legal counsel. - 26-0929: Test item – review of plans for expansion of the clerk’s office. Similar closed session notation. Key Outcomes No decisions, votes, or directives are recorded due to the absence of a transcript and minutes. The meeting was explicitly a test only, as indicated on the agenda.

The Board of Public Works met on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers at City Hall, 400 La Crosse Street, La Crosse, WI. All five members were present: Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey, Tamra Dickinson, Erin Goggin, Matthew Gallager, and Andrea Trane. The board unanimously approved several payment, maintenance, and permit items, and received quarterly presentations from the Sanitary Sewer Utility and Stormwater Utility. The meeting adjourned at 10:50 AM. Consent Calendar - Minutes from October 5, 2026 were approved unanimously. - Agenda item 25-1192, Construction Contract Final Payments: none were presented. - Agenda item 25-1201, Construction Contract Change Orders: none were presented. Discussion Items - Losey Blvd. right-of-way acquisitions (26-1070): Staff reported this was the second-to-last payment for the project. The payment list was approved unanimously. - 7th and Cass St. maintenance quote (26-1073): Staff explained the work stems from CIP 26-1048, is below the public bid threshold, and includes curb, gutter, and brick repair/replacement, clearing and grubbing of the roundabout median island, grass restoration, and a service contract for maintenance for up to two years or until funds run out. It was the only quote received. Councilmember Gallager asked about the funding source, and staff confirmed the funds came from TID 11. The item was approved unanimously. - Temporary Street Privilege Permit for Hawk & Sons Inc. (26-1074): Brandon Goranson of Hawk & Sons requested a one-day closure of Main Street from 2nd Street to 3rd Street to crane cell equipment off the US Bank Building, likely the following Tuesday. He said a traffic control plan had been submitted, warning lights and cones would be used, the sidewalk on the business-owner side would remain open, and the sidewalk over the US Bank building would be closed. Director Gallager clarified that the applicant is responsible for notifying affected properties and the public. Approved unanimously. - Revocable Occupancy Permit for Utilities Department water meter station (26-1075): Staff stated the prefabricated water meter station at 1000 Boathouse Drive was approved in the CIP, and the site is in the right-of-way across from Nekomas Drive next to Veterans Park. Approved unanimously. - Revocable Occupancy Permit for Trane Technologies (26-1076): Luke Cione said excavation work hit a Trane-owned fiber optic line, and the permit would allow installation of conduit and a splice case in the boulevard north of Ward Avenue at 2220 Ward Avenue. Approved unanimously. Presentations: Sanitary Sewer Utility Quarterly Update - Staff presented on the newly issued Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit, effective October 1, 2026. The permit covers effluent limitations, monitoring and reporting, source control, biosolids management, and compliance schedules. PFAS/PFOA was mentioned 105 times in the permit. - Compliance highlights included a 2026 average total phosphorus concentration of 0.07 mg/L against a monthly limit of 0.1 mg/L; an H2S average of 2.5 mg/L against a limit of 150 mg/L; and PFAS sampling of biosolids on August 28, 2026, below the 20 parts per billion limit. The air permit has been in place for five years with continued compliance. - The biosolids management plan was updated for Class A biosolids approval. The presenter cited the plan as 273 pages in one portion of the presentation and 237 pages later; the discrepancy was not addressed. - Staff described a green steel (iron slag) trial to reduce chemical use. The city began feeding green steel on August 4, 2026, and reported using one-third less ferric chloride over about 60 days. A grain-bin feeder was retrofitted in-house for $2,150 total, and the city is the second in the United States to trial this approach. The biosolids dryer is scheduled to restart in the second week of November. - Staff noted ongoing priorities: tracking operating costs, maintaining compliance, preparing for stricter future limits, and monitoring emerging contaminants such as PFAS/PFOA and pharmaceuticals. Presentations: Stormwater Utility Quarterly Update - Staff reported that an illicit connection to the storm sewer at Charles and St. James Street was found after an anonymous complaint came through the DNR. A railroad had piped a connection without a permit and without meeting city engineering standards. The connection was closed off, and the railroad will need to go through the Engineering Department to reconnect properly. - Leaf collection begins in two weeks. Residents were encouraged to place leaves on the boulevard, not in the street, because leaves can clog storm drains and contribute nitrogen and phosphorus to waterways. Home composting was also encouraged. - For winter road maintenance, the city works to limit salt use through brine application, sand for traction, and avoiding salt at very low temperatures where it is ineffective. - The week of September 19, 2026, was Wisconsin Stormwater Week and the first Wisconsin PFOS Awareness Week. The city shared educational materials and noted PFOS treatment is not yet required in stormwater but may be coming. - The 2026 Soak It Up Award was given to Features Field House in West Salem. A sign and media event are scheduled for Thursday, with the property featuring multiple rain gardens and native plantings. Key Outcomes - All votes on agenda items were unanimous, with each motion passing 5-0. - Approved: Losey Blvd. right-of-way payment list, 7th and Cass St. maintenance quote, Hawk & Sons temporary street privilege permit, Utilities Department water meter station revocable occupancy permit, and Trane Technologies revocable occupancy permit. - The sanitary sewer and stormwater utility updates were received as presentations only; no formal action was taken. - The meeting adjourned at 10:50 AM.

The La Crosse Board of Estimates met on Monday, October 12, 2026, at City Hall Council Chambers to review and finalize the recommended 2027 operating budget. The session was called to order at 4:04 p.m. per the minutes (4:05 p.m. per the transcript) and adjourned at 6:06 p.m. Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey and Interim Finance Director Dan Deigier were non-voting. Also present were council members Aron Newberry, Barb Janssen, Chris Kahlow, Erin Goggin, Jennifer Trost, Larry Sleznikow, Mackenzie Mindel, Rosanne Northwood, and Tamra Dickinson. Councilmember Newberry was excused at 5:30 p.m. Finance staff noted the Board is tasked with submitting a proposed budget to the Common Council by the third Tuesday in October. Consent Calendar - Approval of the September 1 and 2, 2026, minutes was listed on the agenda, but the board took no action. Public Comments & Testimony - A public hearing was opened and closed during the meeting. One speaker, Ash Lyke of the Town of Greenfield, criticized the proposed cuts, saying library and transit services would be negatively affected while the police department was not being cut and was instead increased by $1.4 million. Lyke also questioned why Flock camera contracts are housed in the IT department. Discussion Items - Finance staff presented the unassigned fund balance: it is the general fund's net worth, is not a separate bank account, and is subject to a policy minimum changed from 25% to 20% in 2017. The balance has generally risen since 2018; 2024 was an outlier partly because of a large transit reimbursement, investment earnings, and a $1.5 million ARPA contribution. The following year used $1.5 million of that balance plus a $2 million health insurance contribution. - For 2027, estimated general obligation debt payments are $18.5 million. The city used $6.5 million of debt levy adjustment in 2026, leaving about $11.9 million in debt levy capacity for 2027. Net new construction is 0.4%, allowing only a $144,000 levy increase without additional adjustments. - Finance staff recommended two scenarios to meet the Expenditure Restraint Program (ERP). Scenario 1, recommended by the Mayor, meets ERP with no tax increase: the mill rate remains unchanged at 8.52 and there is a $0 tax impact on a home with no assessment change; it uses $680,921 of fund balance and raises the operating levy by $1.774 million (4.16%). Scenario 2 meets ERP with no fund balance use: the mill rate would rise 1.53% to 8.65, a $13.06 annual increase on a $100,000 home, with a $2.4 million (5.75%) operating levy increase. - Staff explained that state shared revenue is increasing 1.9% for 2027 and makes up about 29% of operating revenues, while the certified inflation rate is 3.4%. - Amendment 1 (Revenue) revised engineering revenue down by $609 and increased non-departmental state aid revenue by $549,820. Amendment 2 (Expenses) added $137,220 for employer-side dental insurance premiums, removed a $60,000 vacancy allowance, restored $5,000 for the international committee, added $35,000 for liability insurance, $7,000 for Diggers Hotline, $10,000 for contracted services, and increased membership expenses mainly for LADCO. Total expense increase was $284,947, a 3.3% increase from the 2026 adopted budget. - Department heads described the impact of cuts: Engineering is about 98% labor; library is about 83% labor (85% including contracted security); transit is 95-96% salary and benefits; IT is about 46% personnel and 54% software/infrastructure. Transit said it has not been fully funded since 2017 and service reductions are likely. The library said losing five positions represented about 70 years of institutional knowledge. Engineering/streets said cutting two street positions removes one snow plow route and cutting two LTEs reduces force-multiplier capacity. - The HR director said eliminating the safety/risk specialist means two HR generalists absorb those duties, and reported workers' compensation costs fell from about $472,000 in 2023 to $289,000 in 2025 and $139,000 through July 2026; the position's 2027 cost would be about $84,000. - Police Chief comments: the police department cut $745,000 in personnel, equivalent to five officers, and the apparent budget increase reflects prior underfunding of overtime and benefit payouts rather than new ongoing spending. The IT director noted IT cut $208,000 for 2027 and the 2027 Flock line item is $8,000. - Councilmember Trost moved to have Finance prepare a non-ERP budget scenario; she argued the current approach of repeated cuts is unsustainable. Finance staff said opting out would likely mean replacing about $1.7 million in ERP funding in 2028. Councilmember Janssen said a prior ERP opt-out was a one-time reset funded with ARPA, and this was not the year to repeat it. The motion failed. - Councilmember Sleznikow said he could not support taking money from reserve funds and would not vote for Scenario 1. Councilmember Goggin echoed opposition to fund balance use, saying the city needs to be better stewards of public money. Councilmember Kahlow reported that League of Municipalities discussions focused on ERP and levy limits putting a stranglehold on municipal budgets. Councilmember Janssen said public safety should be prioritized and suggested cutting travel from council and other budgets. Key Outcomes - Motion to prepare a non-ERP budget scenario: failed 4-5 (yes: Newberry, Trost, Mindel, Northwood; no: Janssen, Kahlow, Goggin, Sleznikow, Dickinson; non-voting: Deigier, Washington-Spivey). - Motion to hold the second Board of Estimates meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.: carried 5-3 (yes: Janssen, Trost, Mindel, Northwood, Dickinson; no: Kahlow, Goggin, Sleznikow; excused: Newberry). - Motion to open the public hearing: carried 8-0. Motion to close the public hearing: carried 8-0. - Amendment 1 (Revenue) was adopted 6-2 (yes: Northwood, Dickinson, Trost, Janssen, Mindel, Kahlow; no: Goggin, Sleznikow). - Amendment 2 (Expenses) was adopted 6-2 (yes: Northwood, Dickinson, Trost, Kahlow, Mindel, Sleznikow; no: Janssen, Goggin). - The board did not take final action on the full 2027 operating budget at this meeting. It will continue at the October 13, 2026, 4:00 p.m. meeting, with the Mayor recommending Scenario 1.

The Board of Estimates convened on Monday, October 12, 2026, to discuss, review, and finalize the recommended 2027 Operating Budget. The agenda scheduled the meeting at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall, 400 La Crosse Street, and noted it would be open for in-person attendance and remote viewing via video conferencing. The provided meeting timestamp is 2026-10-12 10:00:00 UTC. This summary is based solely on the posted agenda; no minutes or raw transcript were available. Call to Order and Roll Call - The agenda included a call to order and roll call for members: Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey and Council Members Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Kahlow, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, and Northwood. No roll call results are recorded in the available materials. Approval of Minutes - Consideration of the minutes from the September 1 and September 2, 2026 meetings. No outcome is recorded due to unavailable minutes. Agenda Item: 2027 Operating Budget (Item 26-0588) - The sole substantive agenda item was a discussion/review/finalization of the proposed 2027 Operating Budget. No specific fiscal details, amendments, or votes are documented in the available source material. Key Outcomes - No actions, votes, or decisions can be confirmed from the agenda alone. The absence of an official transcript or minutes prevents reporting of any outcomes.

The Heritage Preservation Commission of La Crosse, Wisconsin, met to review a downtown sign application, a local landmark nomination, property recognition awards, a state grant application, and historic preservation outreach strategies. The minutes identify the meeting date as Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM, but the metadata provided with this summary lists October 7, 2026; the October 22, 2026 public hearing referenced during the meeting supports the earlier date. No agenda was available. Four of six commissioners were present (Eric Garland, Jim Gallagher, John Reiman, and Branden Yates); Natalie Heneghan and Ellie McLoone were excused. With no chair or vice chair in place, Commissioner John Reiman volunteered to temporarily chair. Council Member Lisa Weston attended but was not yet a voting member. All motions passed 4-0 by voice vote. Consent Calendar - Approval of the May 28, 2026 meeting minutes — moved by Eric Garland, seconded by Jim Gallagher, passed 4-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Cameron and Corey, property owners and nominators of the George Howard House, testified about the home's history: George Howard was La Crosse's first druggist, originally from England, and the house was originally built downtown before being moved to 320 8th Street S around 1911–1912; they noted it is listed among the 10 oldest buildings in La Crosse by local historian Harry Hirschheimer. They expressed full support for preserving the city's older homes and character. A commissioner also noted that the nomination narrative states Howard opened the first drugstore between Dubuque and St. Paul. Discussion Items - Certificate of Appropriateness, 120 4th Street S (Downtown Historic District): Staff described a proposed Bodega sign measuring roughly 12 feet high by 4 feet wide, mounted 11 feet above the ground, with an aluminum casing, internally lit acrylic composite face, and through-wall metal plate attachment. Staff found it consistent with district standards and recommended approval, noting the district has no sign size limits. The commission approved the certificate 4-0, with a condition that the sign must meet the city sign code. - George Howard House Local Historic Landmark nomination, 320 8th Street S: Staff reviewed the nomination as complete. A public hearing was opened and closed (both 4-0). Commissioners discussed the two proposed criteria; several members expressed concern that the American Four Square architecture had been altered by vinyl siding and additions, while the house's association with George Howard was strongly supported. The commission amended the motion to approve under the first criterion (association with a significant person) only, then voted 4-0 to approve the nomination and schedule the formal public hearing for October 22, 2026. Note: the minutes state the nomination was approved "as submitted," while the transcript reflects the amendment limiting approval to the first criterion. - Property Recognition Nominations and Notification Letter: Commissioner John Reiman presented the Heritage Award initiative — surprise letters and yard signs recognizing owners who make historically appropriate exterior improvements to properties 50 years or older; the commission has purchased 25 signs. The commission unanimously approved the letter template with direction to make clear the award is not a historic designation. It then approved two nominations: 445 Losey Blvd N (a yellow-and-green home with white trim and a green roof, recently repainted) and 1820 Cass St (a Tudor English-style home with a new roof), each 4-0. - 2027 Wisconsin Historical Society Grant Cycle: Staff explained the Certified Local Government grant process and past applications. A prior request for roughly $35,000 to update the City's Architectural and Intensive Survey Report (currently current to 1996) was not funded; the Wisconsin Historical Society recommended splitting the city survey into phases. Staff recommended applying again. The commission voted 4-0 to direct staff to apply for a grant to update the survey; a letter of intent is due September 11, with a full application in December. - Outreach & Education Strategies: Staff debriefed the Common Council's overturn of the Emerson Elementary designation appeal and expressed concern that more education is needed for the public and elected officials. Commissioners discussed separating preservation from property-rights infringement, tailoring messages to different audiences, highlighting lost buildings such as the old library, federal courthouse, and Sider hotel, and explaining the "why" behind preservation. No formal action was taken; staff will continue developing the strategy. Key Outcomes - All substantive motions — minutes approval, sign certificate, landmark nomination, and grant application direction — passed 4-0, as did the Heritage Award letter template and the two property recognition nominations. - A public hearing on the George Howard House nomination is scheduled for October 22, 2026. - Staff was directed to apply for the 2027 Wisconsin Historical Society grant to update the City's Architectural and Intensive Survey Report. - A commissioner requested an update on the demolition delay ordinance at the next meeting; staff noted it remains pending in the city attorney's office. - The outreach and education strategy discussion will continue at future meetings.

The La Crosse Common Council met on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence, and a land acknowledgment recognizing the Ho-Chunk people. Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey presided. The meeting included approval of minutes, reports, appointments, resolutions, and discussion on several key topics including council member expense accounts, a flood risk management study with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, water utility fleet needs, and non-compliant utility service assessments. Council Member Announcements - Council Member Kahlow promoted the Burns Park Fall Festival (Oct 13) and La Crosse Community Theatre LEAP Center ribbon cutting (Oct 15). - Council President Dickinson thanked Miles Carper in Engineering, the Judiciary & Administration Committee, and the IT Help Desk. - Council Member Newberry honored the memory of library staff member Medora Nelson-Ferris, who passed away one year ago. - Council Member Bedford highlighted the Week Without Driving event, reminded of Election Day on Nov 3, and promoted the Head Start program. - Council Member Goggin thanked the Engineering and Police Departments for instituting an overnight parking ban at Eagle Watch, thanked departments involved in Oktoberfest safety, and recognized volunteers Matt and Ed for cleaning the former north side pool site. - Mayor Washington-Spivey proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Pedestrian Safety and White Cane Month, and thanked public safety staff for their work during Oktoberfest. Consent Calendar The consent agenda was adopted unanimously after two items were removed for separate votes. Items included: - Ordinance to rezone 1552 Kane Street to allow a community center. - Approval of various license applications for 2026-2027. - Authorization to acquire sanitary sewer easements for the Sunset Lane project. - Special event alcohol license for River City Youth Hockey (Oct 17, 2026). - Final plat approval for Featherstone Rise subdivision. - Amended resolution allocating unencumbered funds for scope change at 16th & State Streets. - One-year contract extension with ASI Flex for IRS Section 125 Plan administration. - Amendment to GO Promissory Notes authorization (up to $13,805,000). - CPI-based sewer utility rate adjustment for 2027. - Receiving and filing of Financial Statements and Single Audit reports for 2025. Appointments by the Mayor The council confirmed appointments to several boards: Joshua Walden (Arts and Culture), Christopher Van Alstine (Building & Housing Appeals), Joshua Lien and Jonathan Konkel (Human Rights Commission), Alexander McDonough, Cathy Van Maren, Andrew Ericson (Municipal Transit Utility Board), and Edward Przytarski (Redevelopment Authority). The vote was unanimous; a 4/5 vote was required for the Redevelopment Authority appointment. Discussion Items Council Member Expense Accounts (Resolution 26-0958) A resolution to reduce the monthly council member expense account from $300 to $200 was considered without committee recommendation. After extensive discussion on the importance of the stipend for enabling diverse participation, including working parents and caregivers, the council voted to not adopt the resolution (motion to deny) by a vote of 9-3-1. Mayor Washington-Spivey noted the resolution was proposed as part of budget reduction discussions and urged the council to consider other cuts to its budget. La Crosse Flood Risk Management Project (Resolution 26-1032) The council authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a three-year, $3 million cost-share study (50% federal, 50% city) to assess flood risk management. Army Corps Project Manager Nick Castellane explained the federal process and decision points. Council members praised the step as historic for north side flood mitigation. The resolution was adopted unanimously. Non-Compliant Utility Services – 33rd St S (Resolution 26-0297) A resolution authorizing a special assessment for separating non-compliant utility services at 33rd Street South was debated. Council Member Weston questioned the necessity and cost, suggesting the Public Service Commission mandate is an unfunded burden and indicated future opposition. Staff stated that approximately 20 such separations occur annually and that utility funds cover public costs. The resolution was adopted 11-2, with Council Members Weston and Goggin voting no. Water Utility Fleet and Equipment - WWTP Office Remodel (26-0898): Contract awarded to Wieser Brothers General Contractor for $498,600. - Northside Floodplain Development (26-0993): Contract awarded to Dirt Monkey LLC for $275,194.10 to prepare seven parcels for redevelopment, funded by ARPA. - Water Utility Capital Equipment (26-0970): Unused funds reallocated for new capital equipment, explained by Superintendent Green as needed for new facility demands. - Fleet Truck Repurposing (26-0991): Three trucks scheduled for auction were retained and repurposed for the Water Utility. Superintendent Green reported cost savings of $15,000-$30,000 compared to rental and auction value, supporting increased hydrant flushing and valve turning operations. Key Outcomes - Minutes of Sept 10 and Sept 22, 2026: Approved unanimously. - Financial Report for August: Received and filed. - 2026 Bills and Engineering Estimates (26-1059): Adopted unanimously. - Appointments: Confirmed unanimously. - Suspension of Council Rule XV: Passed unanimously for items 26-1009, 26-1016, 26-1030, 26-1032, 26-1033. - WWTP Office Remodel bid: Adopted. - Northside Floodplain bid: Adopted. - Council Expense Resolution (26-0958): Motion to not adopt passed 9-3-1 (denied). - Charter Ordinance on department head appointments (26-0894): Adopted unanimously. - Water Utility capital reallocation (26-0970): Adopted unanimously. - Water Utility truck repurposing (26-0991): Adopted unanimously. - Flood Risk Management agreement (26-1032): Adopted unanimously. - Non-Compliant Utility Services assessment (26-0297): Adopted 11-2. - Consent Agenda (remaining items): Adopted unanimously. - Meeting adjourned at 7:17 PM.