La Crosse Board of Public Works Meeting Summary - November 2, 2026

The La Crosse Board of Public Works met on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 10:02 a.m. (the agenda listed the start time as 10:00 a.m.), adjourning at 10:33 a.m. All five members were present: Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey, Tamra Dickinson, Erin Goggin, Matt Gallager, and Andrea Trane. The Board agreed to take the agenda out of order, moving the Street Department update to the end of the meeting. Unanimous approval was given to all items requiring a vote.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (October 26, 2026): Approved unanimously.
• Bidder's Proof of Responsibility (25-1203): No items were presented for this agenda item.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Flatmyers (presenter on change orders): Explained that low bids on a construction contract allowed the reinstatement of alternates originally desired by the North Side, including sidewalks, lighting, and stonework. Commissioner Goggin expressed appreciation for his attention to the project.
• Xcel Energy Representative (26-1143, Hintgen Neighborhood): Provided details on replacing aging gas mains. Council President Dickinson questioned disruption levels and timelines. The representative stated the project would start November 16, take approximately four weeks, and pedestrian access would be maintained on the opposite side of the street where work is occurring.
• Alex Lewick and Gareth Brickson (Xcel Energy, 26-1144, Harvey & Hamilton Streets): Responded to questions from Council President Dickinson regarding construction disruptions, timeline (estimated three weeks), and contractor identification (PSC, white trucks). Jose (design team) confirmed notification letters had been sent to residents.

Discussion Items

• Construction Contract Change Orders (26-1123): Mr. Flatmyers reported that bids came in low, enabling the restoration of alternates (sidewalks, lighting, stonework) desired by the North Side. Commissioner Goggin expressed gratitude for his continuous oversight of the project budget.
• Revocable Occupancy Permits (Xcel Energy):
  • Hintgen Neighborhood (26-1143): Representatives answered questions from Council President Dickinson regarding the timeline (start Nov 16, ~4 weeks), pedestrian disruption (alternate route maintained), and resident notification (letters already sent).
  • Harvey & Hamilton Streets (26-1144): Representatives stated a timeline of roughly three weeks. Work involves bell holes and sidewalk panel disruptions. Contractor is PSC. Final concrete restoration may be completed in the spring if weather prevents finishing this season.
• Street Department Update (25-1458): Superintendent Ryan Rasmussen presented end-of-season updates.
  • CIP Projects: Wrapping up final paving projects (King, 31st, Ferry Streets) pending favorable weather.
  • Leaf Collection: Began October 22. Highlighted a new automated leaf truck with double the capacity of previous models, operated from inside the cab via joystick, reducing time spent dumping and allowing curb-line operation in rain.
  • Operations: Heavy concrete repairs completed on multiple streets (Mormon Coulee, 4th & Jackson, etc.). Staff transitioning to winter equipment readiness.
  • Personnel & Sites: Nick Smayby hired as Assistant Superintendent; position opened for Street Supervisor/Recycling Coordinator. Yard waste site has ~2,900 registered users and will close November 24.

Key Outcomes

• All motions requiring a vote passed unanimously (5-0):
  • Minutes from October 26, 2026.
  • Construction Contract Change Orders (26-1123).
  • Construction Contract Final Payments (26-1130), noted as the final payment list for the year.
  • Approval of Right-of-Way Acquisitions for Losey Blvd (26-1139).
  • Revocable Occupancy Permit for Xcel Energy gas main replacement in the Hintgen Neighborhood (26-1143).
  • Revocable Occupancy Permit for Xcel Energy gas main replacement on Harvey Street and Hamilton Street between Taylor and Campbell (26-1144).
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 10:33 a.m.