Common Council on 2026-03-12 6:00 PM

City Hall City of La Crosse, Wisconsin 400 La Crosse Street La Crosse, WI 54601 Meeting Minutes - Final Common Council Thursday, March 12, 2026 6:00 PM Council Chambers City Hall, First Floor Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey, Presiding Roll Call Present: 13 - Tamra Dickinson, Erin Goggin, Barb Janssen, Larry Sleznikow, Olivia Stine, Chris Kahlow, Gary Padesky, Mackenzie Mindel, Aron Newberry, Jennifer Trost, Crystal Bedford, Lisa Weston, Rosanne Northwood Pledge of Allegiance Moment of Silence Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Dickinson, seconded by Northwood, that the minutes of February 12, 2026 be APPROVED. The motion carried unanimously. Reports 26-0256 Financial Report from the Director of Finance for the Month of January. 2026-03-001 A motion was made by Kahlow, seconded by Bedford, that the Report be RECEIVED AND FILED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 13 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 1 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 12, 2026 Notices and Discussions Council President Dickinson recognized Selena Leis and her service to District 1 constituent regarding pet licensing. Council Member Goggin noted the March 7 Polar Plunge and thanked Kat Craugh and Park & Rec Dept. and the La Crosse Dive Team for their efforts in the event; she also recognized Shirley Hefti, a lifelong northside resident, who is turning 101 on March 28. Council Member Bedford thanked the snow removal crew on behalf of the Committee for Citizens with Disabilities. Council Member Janssen noted that they were able to take a walk through of La Crosse Center prior to the WIAA Wrestling tournament and recognized all of the work of La Crosse Center staff to make these events come together. Mayor Washington-Spivey acknowledged that it is Women's History month and thanked all of the women department heads and staff. COMMON COUNCIL MATTERS 26-0255 Resolution approving 2025/2026 Bills and Engineering Estimates paid in March 2026. 2026-03-002 A motion was made by Dickinson, seconded by Mindel, that the Resolution be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 13 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood APPOINTMENTS BY THE MAYOR 26-0253 Board of Zoning Appeals: Rachel MacFarland. Economic and Community Development Committee: Gina Miller. A motion was made by Goggin, seconded by Padesky, that the Appointment be REFERRED 30 days to the Common Council on 4/9/2026 to allow for corrections by the Legal Department. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 12 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Bedford, Weston, Northwood No: 1- Trost SUSPENSION OF COUNCIL RULE XV FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: (2/3 Vote Required) A motion was made by Mindel, seconded by Stine, to suspend Council Rule XV for 26-0220 and 26-0221. The motion carried unanimously. City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 2 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 12, 2026 REPORT OF BIDS/QUOTES RECOMMENDED TO BE REJECTED 26-0158 Report of Bids for the 2026 Sewer Utility Sidewalk Replacement project. 2026-03-003 A motion was made by Goggin, seconded by Janssen, that the Report of Bids be REJECTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 13 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood REPORT OF BIDS/QUOTES RECOMMENDED TO BE ADOPTED 26-0089 Report of Bids and Resolution awarding contract to Trane US, Inc in the amount of $87,125.00 for the La Crosse Center Chiller Replacement project. 2026-03-004 A motion was made by Janssen, seconded by Goggin, that the Resolution be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 13 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood 26-0151 Report of Bids and Resolution awarding contract to Steiger Construction Inc. in the amount of $229,800.00 for the 2026 Citywide Traffic Signal Interconnect project. 2026-03-005 A motion was made by Dickinson, seconded by Northwood, that the Resolution be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 12 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood Non-Voting: 1- Padesky 26-0152 Report of Bids and Resolution awarding contract to Gerke Excavating Inc. in the amount of $110,814.80 for the St. Andrew Street - Copeland Ave to Rose Street project. 2026-03-006 A motion was made by Dickinson, seconded by Kahlow, that the Resolution be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 13 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 3 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 12, 2026 26-0154 Report of Bids and Resolution awarding contract to Fowler & Hammer, Inc. in the amount of $102,549.50 for the 2026 Citywide Miscellaneous Curb Ramp & Sidewalk Replacement project. 2026-03-007 A motion was made by Dickinson, seconded by Trost, that the Resolution be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 13 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood 26-0156 Report of Bids and Resolution awarding contract to Fowler & Hammer, Inc. in the amount of $119,007.80 for the 2026 Annual Miscellaneous Curb & Gutter and Pavement Replacement project. 2026-03-008 A motion was made by Mindel, seconded by Dickinson, that the Resolution be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 13 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood 26-0157 Report of Bids and Resolution awarding contract to Fowler & Hammer, Inc. in the amount of $152,073.95 for the 2026 Water Utility Sidewalk Replacement project. 2026-03-009 A motion was made by Padesky, seconded by Northwood, that the Resolution be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 13 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood 26-0159 Report of Bids and Resolution awarding contract to Gerke Excavating Inc. in the amount of $576,428.25 for the Liberty Street - Windsor Street to Clinton Street project. 2026-03-010 A motion was made by Goggin, seconded by Sleznikow, that the Resolution be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 13 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 4 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 12, 2026 ITEMS WITH NO RECOMMENDATION 26-0128 Resolution amending the compression pay for Battalion Chiefs, Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief. 2026-03-011 A motion was made by Goggin, seconded by Dickinson, that the Resolution be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 8- Dickinson, Goggin, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Bedford, Weston No: 4- Janssen, Newberry, Trost, Northwood Abstain: 1- Mindel 26-0150 Resolution amending the compression pay for Police Captains, Assistant Chief of Police and Chief of Police. 2026-03-012 A motion was made by Goggin, seconded by Padesky, that the Resolution be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 8- Dickinson, Goggin, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Bedford, Weston No: 4- Janssen, Newberry, Trost, Northwood Abstain: 1- Mindel 26-0209 Resolution requesting TID 11 funds for Downtown Beautification Project. A motion was made by Kahlow, seconded by Sleznikow, that the Resolution be ADOPTED. A motion was made by Janssen, seconded by Northwood, that the Resolution be REFERRED 30 days. The motion failed by the following vote: Yes: 5- Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Newberry, Trost No: 8- Dickinson, Goggin, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Bedford, Weston, Northwood 2026-03-013 A motion was made by Kahlow, seconded by Sleznikow, that the Resolution be ADOPTED . The motion failedby the following vote: Yes: 4- Janssen, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky No: 9- Goggin, Sleznikow, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood, Dickinson City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 5 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 12, 2026 ITEMS RECOMMENDED TO BE ADOPTED 26-0171 AN ORDINANCE to amend Sec. 30-3(e) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse regarding nuisance abatement of drug and gang houses . ORD. 5363. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances. A motion was made by Padesky, seconded by Stine, that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 13 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood 26-0213 Resolution to re-allocate unused funds from completed Capital purchases and/or projects to newly requested capital equipment purchases for the Water Utility. 2026-03-014 A motion was made by Dickinson, seconded by Newberry, that the Resolution be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 12 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood No: 1- Kahlow ITEM RECOMMENDED TO BE NOT ADOPTED 26-0173 Resolution creating and appropriating funds for Capital Improvement design for the La Crosse City Hall Sixth Floor Remodeling project. 2026-03-015 A motion was made by Goggin, seconded by Janssen, that the Resolution be NOT ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 8- Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Newberry, Bedford No: 5- Dickinson, Mindel, Trost, Weston, Northwood City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 6 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 12, 2026 ITEM PULLED FROM CONSENT AGENDA 26-0143 AN ORDINANCE to amend Subsection 115-110 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse by transferring certain property from the Local Business District to the Planned Development District - General, allowing for the construction of a mixed-use development including residential and commercial uses at 2415 State Road. ORD. 5364. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances. A motion was made by Dickinson, seconded by Trost, that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 9- Dickinson, Sleznikow, Stine, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood No: 4- Goggin, Janssen, Kahlow, Padesky CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Mindel, seconded by Dickinson, that the Consent Agenda be ADOPTED. The motion carried unanimously. ITEMS RECOMMENDED TO BE ADOPTED 26-0121 AN ORDINANCE to amend Secs. 103-34(h)(7), 103-138(e)(5), 103-169(d)(4), and 103-229(e)(5) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse regarding annual increase in fees for certain regarding fees for building, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and erosion control permits. ORD. 5365. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances. 26-0123 AN ORDINANCE to amend Sec. 103-194. of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse to adopt the State of Wisconsin current version of the National Fuel Gas Code. ORD. 5366. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances. 26-0127 AN ORDINANCE to create Chapter 46, Article II, Subsection 44 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse regarding Fire Suppression System Coordination and Testing. ORD. 5367. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances. City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 7 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 12, 2026 26-0186 AN ORDINANCE amending and creating various sections of Article V, Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse relating to retail cigarette, tobacco products, and electronic vaping devices licensing and to repeal and recreate Section 32-187 regarding the minimum age to purchase or possess cigarettes or tobacco products. ORD. 5368. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances. 26-0196 AN ORDINANCE to amend Sections 4-72(a) and 4-142(a) and create Sections 4-72(c), 4-142(c), 4-21 and 4-146 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse regarding alcohol regulations, licensing requirements and municipal sales in City parks. ORD. 5369. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances. 26-0054 Resolution approving Investment Services Agreements for the period of April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. 2026-03-016 26-0094 Resolution granting various license applications pursuant to Chapters 4, 6, and/or 10 of the La Crosse Municipal Code for the license period 2025-2026 (March). 2026-03-017 26-0095 Resolution approving application of Twilight Medical Transport LLC dba T.M.T. Medical Transportation & Taxi Service for 2026 Public Vehicle for Hire License. 2026-03-018 26-0122 Resolution amending Appendix C of the Municipal Code for the City of La Crosse entitled "Fee Schedule" regarding fees for building, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and erosion control permits. 2026-03-019 26-0126 Resolution approving 2026 Joint Powers Agreement - County 9-1-1 Emergency System between the City and the County of La Crosse. 2026-03-020 26-0146 Resolution approving First Amendment to development agreements with The Chalmers, LLC, a multi-family housing development located at 215 Pine Street and 401 3rd Street North. 2026-03-021 City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 8 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 12, 2026 26-0149 Resolution approving a reorganization to the table of positions and classifications for the Parks and Recreation department. 2026-03-022 26-0197 Resolution amending Appendix C Fee Schedule of the La Crosse Municipal Code to include a fee for late renewal of alcohol beverage and cigarette, tobacco and vaping device applications. 2026-03-023 ITEMS RECOMMENDED TO BE ADOPTED (with closed session notice) 26-0214 Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the City of La Crosse Refuse and Recycling Services for City Buildings and Facilities 2022-2026 Contract by and between Hilltopper Refuse & Recycling Services and the City of La Crosse. (Note: The Committee and/or Council may convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(e) to formulate & update negotiation strategies and parameters. Following such closed session, the Committees and/or Council may reconvene in open session.) 2026-03-024 26-0220 Resolution amending a vacation conversion memorandum of understanding ("MOU") between the City of La Crosse and the International Association of Firefighters, Local #127. (Note: The Committee and/or Council may convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(e) to formulate & update negotiation strategies and parameters. Following such closed session, the Committees and/or Council may reconvene in open session.) 2026-03-025 26-0221 Resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Tri-State Ambulance Employee Leased Agreement Operational and Compensation Changes between the City of La Crosse and the International Association of Firefighters, Local #127. (Note: The Committee and/or Council may convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(e) to formulate & update negotiation strategies and parameters. Following such closed session, the Committees and/or Council may reconvene in open session.) 2026-03-026 City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 9 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final March 12, 2026 ITEMS RECOMMENDED TO BE RE-REFERRED 26-0133 AN ORDINANCE to amend Subsection 115-110 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse by transferring certain property from the Single Family Residence District to the Special Residence District, allowing for three rental units (one duplex and a single-family unit) at 1402 & 1410 Gillette Street and 1552 Loomis Street. Referred 60 days to the May 2026 meetings. 26-0144 Certified Survey Map - Lot 1, Certified Survey Map Number 67, Volume 19, Document Number 1761262, Located in the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 9, Township 15 North, Range 7 West, City of La Crosse, La Crosse County, Wisconsin and request for dedication of right-of-way and waiver of platting requirements. Referred 30 days to April 2026 meetings. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 10