Minutes

Park and Vacant Land Committee Draft Meeting Minutes – APPROVED Date: Monday, May 4, 2026 Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: 2800 Ward Ave, La Crosse, WI 54601 Present: Chairperson Renee Knutson; Committee Members, Jean Wiggert, Monica Redmond, Jeffrey Butler and Nate Torres; Administrator Christina Peterson. Absent/Excused: None Attendance List: Terry Wright and Chris Wimberley, Shelby Public Works 1. Meeting called to order by Knutson at 5:30 p.m. 2. Minutes from 01/05/2025. Motion by Butler to approve minutes from 01/05/2025, second by Torres. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Public Comment. none 4. Park Inspections. Each park has a custom inspection sheet. Chris Wimberly gave feedback on the sheet format and questioned ADA sections. Peterson mentioned ADA items are more of a design review than a maintenance inspection. Terry Wright went over summary of 2026 inspections. Some items mentioned include: • Options for swing chains. Knutson suggested doing the acid dip and not worry about paint. Swing seats will be replaced if cracked. • Teeter Totters may need painting. • Playground equipment needs mulch. Semi load costs about $2600, and he will order two loads. • Sand will be added to some areas like Mormon Coulee Park and Smyth Park. • Drainage issues at Mormon Coulee Park near teeter totters. Wright suggested adding drain tile, rock, and then mulch. • Road up to shelter is planned for paving 2026. • Set all bench base slabs in parks and will install benches when grass grows around slabs. 2 green benches at Pammel Creek Park , 1 at Mormon Coulee Park. Black benches go to Skyline, Nolop Estates, Hills of Home. • Ground 5 tree stumps. Planted 4 trees in parks, more coming. • Picnic tables need work. • Some fencing that is damaged could come down, but any replacement should be reviewed, suggesting it may not be the Town’s responsibility to fence in parks. • Summer help could paint metal components of playground equipment. Knutson requested the list be checked off with dates when they are accomplished. Suggestion to replace 8 picnic tables at Pammel Creek Park. Much of the equipment needs to be power washed. 5. Installs Happening This Season. 2 trash cans, 6 benches , fair amount of landscaping. Plants ordered for landscaping at Hills of Home and Mormon Coulee Park. Adding a few more boxwoods in the zig zag ramp space at Mormon Coulee Park. Nolop Estates Landscaping. 6. Hills of Home Fencing. Knutson explained the information received regarding county highway right of way, existing park fence encroachment, and request for subdivision sign. Knutson and Peterson will continue the feasibility of this sign. 7. Land Management Plan Progress. Knutson reported that the plan is close to final . Consultant would like a field visit with Knutson and Peterson. The signage also needs to be ordered. A quote from Signarama was approximately $11,000. Knutson and Peterson will discuss signage with ORA at a meeting planned for May 5 8. 2025 Parks Annual Report. No questions. 9. Next regular meeting will take place Monday, July 6, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m. 10. Adjournment. Motion by Torres to adjourn at 7:05 p.m., second by Redmond. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully Submitted by Christina Peterson