Minutes

Park and Vacant Land Committee Draft Meeting Minutes – APPROVED Date: Monday, January 5, 2026 Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: 2800 Ward Ave, La Crosse, WI 54601 Present: Chairperson Renee Knutson; Committee Members, Jean Wiggert (via phone), Monica Redmond, Jeffrey Butler and Nate Torres; Administrator Christina Peterson. Absent/Excused: None Attendance List: None 1. Meeting called to order by Knutson at 5:30p.m. 2. Minutes from 12/01/2025. Motion by Butler approve minutes from 12/01/2025, second by Redmond. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Public Comment. none 4. ORA Trail Farm Update. Knutson shared the video of the ORA update/presentation given at the Town Board meeting. 5. Comprehensive Plan Review. Knutson gave an overview of the Parks and Vacant Land Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. A few updates are already necessary, but the chapter was a good update to the information and goals from the previous plan. The committee went over the status of the action steps in the plan. Developing a maintenance and plan was a priority. a. Develop a plan for necessary updates: New benches and garbage cans have been installed. Butterfly trails map and management plan is almost complete. b. Redesign logos for parks and trails: New Town Logo is complete. Next step is to design park signs and informational signs. c. Work with Public Works on maintenance plan: The maintenance plan should be made a priority. d. Limit blufftop development and continue with volunteer easements: The intent of this action step is unclear. e. Develop parks and outdoor rec plan: The plan should be made a priority. f. Update website: Many updates have been made, but this task is ongoing. g. Update park and trail maps: This has been started with the walking trail map and Butterfly Trail consulting work. h. Funding options search: Ongoing. Should focus on grants for tennis court. i. Work with developers for linear spaces to greenspace and parks : This has been discussed with developers. j. Identify “no build” preservation areas: This is also a county zoning issue. k. Ratio of open space to developed space The intent of this action step is unclear, whether is all land in town or just that owned by the town. The ratio has not been reviewed yet. This action step could be analyzed in the proposed park plan. l. Encourage development of Mormon Creek Greenway from Goose Island to YY : Long term goal. Peterson will bring concept plans from many years ago. m. Encourage development of Pammel Creek Greenway: Long term goal. n. Budget for regular maintenance: Public works budget includes park maintenance. Small projects in Parks special project budget. Possibly set up a dedicated fund for park dedication. o. Maintain park inventory: Mostly done for parks. Vacant land needs work. p. List to prioritize projects: Will address in maintenance plan that will be created . Items to update in future update to Comprehensive Plan: take out SYB reference, add ORA Trail Farm and USFW Railroad Crossing Project. 6. Administrator Report a. Benches will be shipped this week. 7. Chairperson/Commissioners Report a. Knutson gave an overview of the Butterfly Trail Plan submitted by Siena from Conscious Conservation. Knutson and Petrson will meet on January 8th to review plan in more depth and review landowner preferences for neighboring land and Mississippi Valley Conservancy. 8. Next regular meeting will take place Monday, March 2, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m. 9. Adjournment. Motion by Torres to adjourn at 7:12 p.m., second by Butler. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully Submitted by Christina Peterson