Common Council on 2026-02-12 6:00 PM

City Hall City of La Crosse, Wisconsin 400 La Crosse Street La Crosse, WI 54601 Meeting Minutes - Final Common Council Thursday, February 12, 2026 6:00 PM Council Chambers City Hall, First Floor Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey, Presiding Roll Call Present: 14 - Shaundel Washington-Spivey, 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 Kahlow, seconded by Dickinson, that to APPROVE minutes of January 8, 2026. The motion carried unanimously. Reports 26-0145 2025 La Crosse Police Department Annual Report. 2026-02-001 A motion was made by Padesky, seconded by Northwood, 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 February 12, 2026 Notices and Discussions Mayor Washington-Spivey acknowledged the Boy Scout Troop present at the meeting and paid his respects to Pat Stephens who recently passed away. Council Member Weston acknowledged February as Black History Month and as part of the celebrations recognized important citizens in the La Crosse Community, past and present. Council Member Janssen noted upcoming events at La Crosse Center and thanked staff for all their work. Council Member Padesky noted that he prefers the normal Council seating. Council President Dickinson gave condolences to the family of long-time Aviation Board member William Blank; she also noted that the Airport received the LADCO Presidents Award, and she welcomed Lauren Koss as the new Airport Director. Council Member Goggin recognized Jorrey Olson's promotion to Sergeant and gave a thank you to Law Enforcement. Goggin also gave thanks to La Crosse Center staff. COMMON COUNCIL MATTERS 26-0155 Resolution approving 2025/2026 Bills and Engineering Estimates paid in February 2026. 2026-02-002 A motion was made by Dickinson, 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 APPOINTMENTS BY THE MAYOR 26-0147 Arts Board: Alex Fowler. Board of Zoning Appeals: James Cherf. Climate Action Plan Steering Committee: Stephanie Hanna. Floodplain Advisory Committee: Eric Crammond. Library Board: Hannah Amann. Neighborhood Revitalization Commission: William Bonadurer, Taylor Keene. 2026-02-003 A motion was made by Trost, seconded by Kahlow, that the Appointment be CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 11 - Dickinson, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood No: 2- Goggin, Janssen SUSPENSION OF COUNCIL RULE XV & IX FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: (2/3 Vote Required) A motion was made by Mindel, seconded by Dickinson, to SUSPEND COUNCIL RULE XV and RULE IX for 26-0092 and 26-0162. The motion carried unanimously. City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 2 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 12, 2026 REPORT OF BIDS/QUOTES RECOMMENDED TO BE REJECTED 26-0087 Report of Bids for the 2026 Citywide Miscellaneous Curb, Ramp, and Sidewalk Replacement Project. 2026-02-004 A motion was made by Goggin, seconded by Dickinson, that the Report of Bids be REJECTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 12 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Weston, Northwood No: 1- Bedford REPORT OF BIDS/QUOTES RECOMMENDED TO BE ADOPTED 26-0086 Report of Bids and Resolution awarding contract to Larson Construction Co, Inc. in the amount of $84,897.50 for the Neidbalski Bridge Repair project. 2026-02-005 A motion was made by Dickinson, seconded by Stine, 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 26-0088 Report of Bids and Resolution awarding contract to Fowler & Hammer, Inc. in the amount of $48,846.50 for the 2026 Citywide Miscellaneous Alley Pavement Replacement project. 2026-02-006 A motion was made by Dickinson, 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 3 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 12, 2026 ITEMS WITH NO RECOMMENDATION 24-1287 A CHARTER ORDINANCE to create Section 19 of Appendix A of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse creating the position, duties and responsibilities of the Office of the City Administrator and removing duties from the Office of the Mayor. 2026-02-007 A motion was made by Sleznikow, seconded by Northwood, that the Charter Ordinance be NOT ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 13 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood 26-0061 Amended Resolution amending Appendix C Fee Schedule regarding dumpster permits under Subsection 40-13 and 40-106(11) of the La Crosse Municipal Code. 2026-02-008 A motion was made by Kahlow, seconded by Newberry that the Resolution be ADOPTED. A motion was made by Kahlow, seconded by Janssen, that the Resolution be AMENDED to adjust fee schedule to $75 for Downtown District. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 11 - Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Bedford, Weston, Northwood No: 2- Dickinson, Trost A motion was made by Kahlow, seconded by Newberry, that the Resolution be ADOPTED AS AMENDED . The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 12 - Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood No: 1- Dickinson 26-0085 AN AMENDED ORDINANCE to amend Subsection 115-110 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse by transferring certain property from the Commercial District to the Planned Development District - Specific, allowing for a mix of uses including commercial, retail, and office spaces, a recycling facility, and future construction of approximately five apartment units and a building for a retail or food establishment at 4329 East Avenue S. and 4342, 4344, 4348, and 4354 Mormon Coulee Rd. ORD. 5359. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances. A motion was made by Trost, seconded by Janssen, that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 12 - Dickinson, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 4 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 12, 2026 No: 1- Goggin City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 5 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 12, 2026 ITEMS RECOMMENDED TO BE ADOPTED 25-1265 Second Amended Resolution providing course of action to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation with respect to Alternatives for USH 53 Corridor Study, from King Street to La Crosse Street. 2026-02-009 A motio was made by Padesky, seconded by Northwood that the Resolution be ADOPTED. A motion was made by Sleznikow, seconded by Trost, that the Resolution be AMENDED to add language explaining additional alternatives by the DOT including Hybrid Alt 3 and recommend Hybrid Alt 3 option. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 7- Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Northwood No: 6- Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Padesky, Bedford, Weston A motion was made by Padesky, seconded by Northwood, that the Resolution be ADOPTED AS AMENDED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 10 - Dickinson, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Northwood No: 3- Goggin, Janssen, Weston 26-0058 AN ORDINANCE to create chapter 6, Article I, Section 20 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse regarding harassment of service animals. ORD. 5360. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances. A motion was made by Northwood, seconded by Sleznikow, that the Ordinance be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 12 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Northwood No: 1- Weston City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 6 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 12, 2026 26-0071 A SECOND AMENDED CHARTER ORDINANCE to create Section 20 of Appendix A of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse creating the position, duties and responsibilities of the Office of the City Administrator and removing duties from the Office of the Mayor. 2026-02-010 A motion was made by Trost, seconded by Northwood, that the Charter Ordinance be ADOPTED. A motion was made by Sleznikow, seconded by Weston, that the Charter Ordinance be AMENDED per Sleznikow proposed amendment posted 2.10.2026 with changes only to Section I (c), (f)6., (g)2., and Section VI (b) and Section VII. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 12 - Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood No: 1- Dickinson A motion was made by Sleznikow, seconded by Weston, that the Charter Ordinance be AMENDED per Sleznikow proposed amendment posted 2.12.2026 with changes to Sec VI(a) to remove current language and to add new language regarding effective date with options. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 11 - Goggin, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood No: 2- Dickinson, Janssen A motion was made by Weston, seconded by Trost that the Charter Ordinance be AMENDED per Weston proposed Amendment dated 2.10.2026 with changes to Section I (f)2 and Section VI (b). A motion was made by Bedford, seconded by Trost, to DIVIDE the question to vote on the amendments separately. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 12 - Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood No: 1- Dickinson A motion was made by Weston, seconded by Trost, to AMEND Section I (f)2. The motion failed by the following vote: Yes: 1- Weston No: 12 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Northwood A motion was made by Weston, seconded by Trost, to AMEND Section VI (b). A motion was made by Bedford, seconded by Padesky, that Amend the amendment to Section VI (b) to include a combination of Sleznikow amendment and Weston proposed amendment. 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 7 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 12, 2026 CM Northwood left her seat prior to the vote. A motion was made by Weston, seconded by Trost, to AMEND as AMENDED. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 12 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston Excused: 1- Northwood The Council took a short recess and all returned to their seats. Mayor Washington-Spivey relinquished the chair to Council President Dickinson to provide his comments and then returned to his seat. A motion was made by Trost, seconded by Northwood, that the Charter Ordinance be ADOPTED AS AMENDED. The motion failed by the following vote (2/3 supermajorty vote of the Council required to adopt Charter Ordinance): Yes: 7- Sleznikow, Stine, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Weston, Northwood No: 6- Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Kahlow, Padesky, Bedford 26-0081 Resolution approving application of Green Circle Recovery LLC for Junk Dealer License at 3019 Commerce Street and request for waiver of the 1,000 foot requirement pursuant to Municipal Code Sec. 10-460(b). 2026-02-011 A motion was made by Goggin, seconded by Stine, 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 ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT AGENDA 25-1472 Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the Employee Lease Agreement by and between Tri-State Ambulance, Inc. and La Crosse Fire Department. 2026-02-012 A motion was made by Janssen, 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 26-0092 Resolution authorizing the appointment of Lauren Koss as Director of the La Crosse Regional Airport effective February 13, 2026. 2026-02-013 A motion was made by Goggin, 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 City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 8 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 12, 2026 CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Kahlow, seconded by Janssen, that the Consent Agenda be ADOPTED. The motion carried unanimously. ITEMS RECOMMENDED TO BE ADOPTED 25-1307 AN ORDINANCE to amend section 103-104 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse to clarify code language regarding value of the building to be used. ORD. 5361. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances. 26-0055 AN ORDINANCE to amend Subsection 40-13(a), adding two definitions to Section 40-103, to create Section 40-106(11), to renumber Section 40-106(11) to 40-106(12), and to amend Sections 2.2(b)(4) and 2.36(6) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse regarding dumpster permits. ORD. 5362. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances. 26-0004 Resolution amending Appendix C of the Municipal Code for the City of La Crosse entitled "Fee Schedule" correcting errors and omissions. 2026-02-014 26-0022 Resolution authorizing the transfer of funds to the Redevelopment Authority of La Crosse for the Project Manager contract. 2026-02-015 26-0023 Resolution approving transfer of Tax Incremental District 18 funds as a contribution to the Redevelopment Authority for acquisition of properties for River Point District. 2026-02-016 26-0036 Resolution reallocating American Rescue Plan Funds (ARPA) from the Marsh Lead Contamination Allocation to Carroll Park Improvements, CIP #440. 2026-02-017 26-0038 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 (February). 2026-02-018 City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 9 Common Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 12, 2026 26-0078 Resolution amending the 2026 Airport Operating Budget to fulfill air service incentive program obligations. 2026-02-019 ITEM FOR POSSIBLE CLOSED SESSION 26-0162 Resolution approving Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release between the City of La Crosse and Pettibone Park Resort, LLC. (Note: The Committee and/or Council may convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(g) to confer with legal counsel. Following such closed session, the Committees and/or Council may reconvene in open session.) 2026-02-020 A motion was made by Kahlow, seconded by Stine, to convene in CLOSED SESSION pursuant to Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(g) to confer with legal counsel. The motion carried by unanimously. Unanimous consent to reconvene in OPEN SESSION. A motion was made by Goggin, seconded by Northwood, to approve option number 1. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 13 - Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Stine, Kahlow, Padesky, Mindel, Newberry, Trost, Bedford, Weston, Northwood Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 10:11 p.m. City of La Crosse, Wisconsin Page 10