Judiciary & Administration Committee Meeting - September 29, 2026

The Judiciary & Administration Committee of the City of La Crosse met on September 29, 2026 at 6:01 PM in Council Chambers. All seven members were present. The committee reviewed a police quarterly alcohol license report, charter ordinance amendments, license applications, a property rezoning for a community center, a youth hockey special event alcohol license expansion, and a final plat in the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction. All agenda items were recommended to the Common Council by unanimous votes.

Discussion Items

• Quarterly Alcohol License Review (Item 26-0943): Captain Wanger, filling in for Sergeant Montahano, presented the second quarter police report. Key points included:
  • Tequilas and COIS were in compliance after license non-renewal; Chuck's was in compliance during a 10-day suspension and is working on TIPS training.
  • Rolling Trees is under active investigation for selling tobacco/vape products without a state license; a search warrant was executed, and the owner was arrested on a signature bond.
  • Compliance checks on June 2-3 and September 10-11 found failures at Moxie's, Senor Via Bens, O'Reilly's, Dells, Artie's, Flip Side, Moxie, State Room, John's Bar, Corner Bar, and Legends. Some were repeat offenders already under action plans.
  • A community education meeting on August 26, 2026 attracted over 30 attendees; the department plans to host such meetings twice a year.
  • A pamphlet on common alcohol violations for underage individuals and bar violations was distributed prior to Oktoberfest.
  • Total bar checks for the quarter: 131. Beer House and George Street Pub had the most calls for service.
  • Fourteen citations were issued for violations including public consumption, serving alcohol while intoxicated, and sale to underage persons.
  • The fine for possession of false IDs was increased: first offense now $575 (up from ~$376), second offense $701, third $1,016. The increase was within state statute and did not require council approval.
  • Captain Wanger noted that during Oktoberfest weekend, campus area (around UWL) had significant issues with thousands of students and party houses, requiring 18 dedicated officers. Data on citations and arrests was pending release.
• Charter Ordinance (26-0894): A charter ordinance to amend various sections regarding appointment of department heads was discussed with no questions. Motion to recommend adoption carried unanimously.
• Various License Applications (26-0943): The committee considered the October 2026-2027 license list and the quarterly review. Motion to approve subject to compliance carried unanimously.
• Rezoning for Community Center (26-0944): An ordinance to rezone 1552 Kane Street from Single Family Residence to Public and Semi-Public District for use as a community center. Public hearing was opened; no one wished to speak but the applicant was available. The item was recommended by staff and approved unanimously by City Plan Commission. Motion to adopt carried unanimously.
• River City Youth Hockey Special Event License (26-0979): Application for expansion of Class "B" Beer license for a special event on October 17, 2026 at Green Island Ice Arena (outdoor area). Motion to approve subject to compliance carried unanimously.
• Final Plat of Featherstone Rise (26-0985): Final plat in Town of Shelby, within city's extraterritorial jurisdiction. Recommended for approval subject to requirements by engineering and fire departments. Motion carried unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All five agenda items were recommended to the Common Council for its October 6, 2026 meeting, each with a unanimous 7-0 vote.
• The police department will continue compliance checks, follow up on suspended establishments, and provide TIPS training for officers.
• The fine increase for fake IDs is effective immediately and will be enforced both on- and off-premise under ordinance 4-1.