Judiciary & Administration Committee Meeting - September 1, 2026

The Judiciary & Administration Committee of the City of La Crosse met on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 6:04 PM in the Council Chambers, City Hall. Chair Mackenzie Mindel presided with six members present (Padesky, Trost, Weston, Mindel, Stine, Dickinson) and one excused (Bedford). The committee considered seven agenda items, including routine license approvals, zoning changes, a charter ordinance, and a contested evidentiary hearing regarding the denial of a tobacco/vape license and related alcohol license application for TAC Citgo Inc. dba Citgo on State at 1914 State Rd. The meeting adjourned from closed session at 7:58 PM, with a written decision pending.

Consent Calendar

• 26-0788: Various license applications under Chapters 4, 6, and/or 10 of the La Crosse Municipal Code for the 2026-2027 license period (September). Recommended approval to the Common Council (6-0).
• 26-0799: Certified Survey Map for property at 1325 Saint Andrew St., owned by Stizo Development LLC, including request for dedication of right-of-way and waiver of platting requirements. Recommended approval with condition that all engineering department requirements be met (6-0).
• 26-0821: Ordinance to amend Section 18-64(b) of the Code of Ordinances regarding adoption of Wisconsin Administrative Code and National Fire Protection Association Fire Prevention Code. Recommended adoption (6-0). Fire Chief Scott provided explanation that the update aligns with state mandates and addresses new technologies like lithium-ion batteries.
• 26-0833: Ordinance to transfer property at 616 Saint Cloud St. from Local Business District to Single Family Residential District to allow conversion to a residential unit with garage and workshop. Public hearing was held; no public speakers. Recommended adoption (6-0).
• 26-0866: Resolution approving amendment to Stipulation regarding Alcohol License for Odd Fellows Temple, LLC d/b/a/ Ruthie’s. The amendment extends the deadline to open by October 30, 2026; if not opened by then, the license automatically revokes without further hearing. Recommended adoption (6-0).

Discussion Items

• 26-0894: A Charter Ordinance to amend various sections of the Charter regarding appointment of department heads. City Attorney Matty explained it codifies prior decisions (separating finance and HR directors, eliminating La Crosse Center manager), creates a one-year probationary period for all department heads, and designates the transit director as a for-cause employee after probation. After discussion about appointment/removal processes and vote requirements (three-fourths for cause removal under state statute), the committee voted unanimously to refer the ordinance to the Common Council on September 10, 2026, with no recommendation.

• 26-0935 (Appeal of TAC Citgo Inc. dba Citgo on State regarding denial of Cigarette, Tobacco and Electronic Vape Device license) and 26-0780 (Application of TAC Citgo Inc. for Class A Liquor and Class A Beer licenses at 1914 State Rd.): These items were considered together in a contested evidentiary hearing. The committee first served as the Administrative Review Board for the tobacco license appeal, then as the Judiciary & Administration Committee for the alcohol license recommendation.

  • Applicant's case: Christine Taylor, sole owner of TAC Citgo Inc., testified that she lost her job as a Chicago high school art teacher due to CPS budget cuts. She stated she is committed to moving to La Crosse and running the store legally with new employees (Sheila Woodman and Meredith). She acknowledged her stepfather Tony (formerly involved with Mema Enterprises) would help with transition but emphasized he would not control the business. She argued that despite the store's troubled past, she would card customers, prevent illegal sales, and ensure community safety.
  • City's evidence: Sgt. Danny Mandujano of La Crosse Police Department detailed a troubling timeline: After the prior licensee (Mema Enterprises, owned by Christine's parents) had licenses not renewed in June 2020, the business was transferred to Christine's mother Margaret, whose CTV application was denied July 23. The next day, July 24, TAC Sitco LLC was formed with Christine as owner. A lease was signed July 26, and a new CTV application submitted July 27. Concerns were raised about the speed of the transition, continued involvement of Tony (who directed illegal sales, as admitted by former agent Sam Khan), and the suitability of agent Sheila Woodman (50 police calls to her residence since 2020, delays responding to officers). City Clerk Nikki Elson confirmed the denial was based on review of applications and police documents.
  • Cross-examination: Ms. Taylor was questioned about a lease for her residence starting July 1 (before her job loss) and emails to Tony regarding the appeal. She attributed these to timing errors and family communication, asserting she is the sole decision-maker. Sheila Woodman testified that her police contacts were all related to fostering high-risk teens, and she is capable of managing store operations.
  • Closings: Applicant asked for a chance to run the business safely. City argued concerns about truthfulness and whether there is a clean break from the past problems.
  • Outcome: The committee voted unanimously to move into closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(a) to deliberate. The administrative review board has 20 days to issue a written decision; the alcohol license recommendation will be made after the decision is drafted, with intent to resolve before the September 10 Common Council meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Consent items: All five consent items were recommended for approval/adoption to the Common Council unanimously (6-0).
• Charter Ordinance (26-0894): Referred to Common Council with no recommendation, requiring nine votes for adoption.
• Tobacco/Vape License Appeal and Alcohol License Application (26-0935, 26-0780): Deliberation in closed session; written determination pending. The committee will reconvene to review and adopt the drafted decision before September 10, 2026.