Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
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.
The consent agenda was adopted unanimously after two items were removed for separate votes. Items included:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Good evening, everyone. We're gonna call this meeting to order on Tuesday, October sixth, two thousand twenty-six at six PM. Can we please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance? Undergisco with liberty and justice. All council members are present and in the chambers. We recognize that the city of Lacrosse occupies the land of the Ho Chunk people. Please take a moment to celebrate an eye the ancestral Ho Chunk land and the sacred lands of all indigenous people. Thank you. At this time, we'll take approval of the minutes from September tenth, twenty twenty six and September twenty-second, twenty twenty-six. Bear with us, we're still working on this new system. I can't see anything. So click this. And then click join. And then it should be there. I figured it out. Thank you very much. Yes, thank you. Motion made by Council President Dickinson, second by Councilmember Bedford. Any discussion or corrections? Seeing none, please vote. Nikki, ours isn't coming up. Okay. I'm able to vote, and that probably shouldn't be. Oh, okay. There it is. I just want to draw attention to it, though. Thank you. All right, and that motion passes unanimously. Moving to our first agenda item reports, twenty-six-one zero six zero, financial report from the interim director of finance for the month of August. Motion to approve by Councilmember Vodesky, second by Council President Dickinson. Any discussion? Seeing none, please vote. Moving on to notices and discussions. Are there any notices and discussions that council members would like to acknowledge? Councilmember Kalow. Thank you, Mayor. Very briefly, next Tuesday, October 13th, from 4 to 7. We have our annual Burns Park Fall Festival. This is mostly sponsored by the City of LaCrosse Park and Rec.