Minutes

Town Board Meeting Minutes – APPROVED Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Time: 5:00 p.m. Location: Town Hall – 2800 Ward Ave, La Crosse, WI 54601 Present: Chairperson Tim Candahl, Supervisors Marlene Heal, Renee Knutson, Tim Padesky and Tim Ehler, Administrator Christina Peterson, Clerk Fortune Berg, and Treasurer Melissa Erdman. Attendance List: Dillon Constant and Brock Tokach(La Crosse County Zoning), Rhonda Peterson (Coulee Cruisers), Gary Hogum and Brandon Crary (Hilltopper), and Dave Gebhart (W5462 Boma Road). 1. Meeting called to order by Candahl at 4:58 p.m. 2. Minutes from 7/1/2025. Motion by Padesky to approve minutes from 7/1/2025, second by Heal. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Bills Payable. Heal asked about Bolton & Menk invoice, Peterson answered it is for the cost of engineering, inspections, etc. Knutson asked about the cost of additional materials on Hickory Lane, Peterson answered it was the cost of shoulder repair. Motion by Padesky to pay open invoices for $83,733.74, second by Knutson. Motion by Knutson to accept closed invoices for $19,596.03, second by Padesky. Motions carried unanimously. 4. Public Comment. a. Dave Gebhart (W5462 Boma Road) – commented the drainage ditch for Bridal Coulee east of his property handled water very well during the rains the past few weeks. b. Dave Gebhart (W5462 Boma Road) – asked about maintaining the ditch and mowing schedule. 5. Hilltopper Contract Extension. Berg and Erdman explained the staff recommendation based on the proposal received. Discussion on the terms and costs of extension. Motion by Padesky, to extend the contract with Hilltopper for seven (7) years (until December 31, 2032), second by Ehler. Motion carried unanimously. 6. ATV/UTV Route Request. Berg introduced Rhonda Peterson from Coulee Cruisers and noted the process for an ATV/UTV route request for County and/or Town roads including the need for a public hearing. Discussion on ATV/UTV usage and regulations. Staff will send postcards to all residents and will schedule the public hearing for August 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at All Star Lanes. 7. La Crosse County Zoning Ordinance Update. Constant and Tokach introduced themselves. Constant explained the proposed updates for the County Zoning Ordinance. 8. Accept Weed Commissioner Resignation. Motion by Knutson, to accept the Weed Commissioner’s Resignation, second by Padesky. Motion carried, Candahl abstained. 9. Stop Signs – Hagen Road. Peterson briefly reviewed the relevant sections of the MUTCD 11 th Edition. Discussion on Stop Sign locations, need, and other signage options. Staff are directed to get advice on placement and removal, and to propose a plan and cost estimate to the board at a future meeting. 10. Highway 14/61 Sidewalk Project – Pember Pay Request #1. Peterson explained the accessibility update needed to complete the project. Motion by Padesky, to pay the amount of $142,900.17, second by Ehler. Motion carried unanimously. 11. Wedgewood Valley Stormwater Project – BKC Pay Request #1. Peterson noted the pay request received. Motion by Padesky, to pay BKC Construction $120,626.69, second by Knutson. Motion carried unanimously. 12. Butterfly Trails Area Plan – Proposal from Conscious Conservation, LLC. Peterson reviewed the proposal received to perform planning related to the Blufflands Grant received. Motion by Ehler, to accept the proposal and pay $24,000.00, second by Padesky. Motion carried unanimously. 13. Application for State Trust Fund Loan. Erdman proposed a loan with a 3-year term, $400,000.00 at 5.5% interest to cover funds needed for the Wedgewood Valley Stormwater Project. Motion by Candahl, to approve the loan application, second by Heal. Motion carried unanimously. 14. Resolution 2025-6 for Authorization of Funding. Related to the loan, motion by Padesky, to approve and sign the resolution to authorize funding for the Wedgwood Valley Stormwater Project, second by Ehler. Motion carried unanimously. 15. Administrator and Public Works Report. a. Peterson reported the County took no action on the rezone request for the property off of County Road F/Highway 33. Peterson will draft a letter reiterating the rezone is consistent with both the Town and County Comprehensive Plan(s) before their next meeting. b. Peterson reported that a resident on Briarwood Ave has drainage issues on their property and concerns with the culverts placed in the area. Peterson will look into possible solutions and put it on a future agenda. c. Peterson reported Delmore Consulting will be at the next meeting with a proposal for assisting with the Paser Pavement Ratings. The proposal also includes additional assistance with road projects. d. Peterson reported that La Crosse County has a certified bridge inspector that will be able to inspect the Mormon Coulee Pedestrian Bridge. Peterson added that pedestrian bridges are supposed to be inspected every five (5) years. More information will be provided in the future. e. Peterson reported the law enforcement contract is moving forward. The County is going to draft a proposed agreement to present to the Town based on comments they received from Peterson. Peterson added the earliest the contract would likely not begin until January 2026. f. Peterson reminded the Board that the State paid for storm culvert inventory for culverts 6+ feet in diameter. Peterson added the Town paid for inventory of small culverts. Delmore did the inventory and inspection of all culverts. All information has been added into the GIS system. Knutson suggested informing residents of updates being made by the Town of Shelby, this could be added to the Newsletter. 16. Chairperson and Supervisor Reports. a. Candahl noted that he is communicating with individuals that may be interested in the vacant seats on the Planning Commission. b. Candahl reported there may be someone interested in the 1986 Fire Truck for sale. c. Candahl reported 1998 HME Pumper has an issue that needs to be fixed before it is listed for sale. d. Candahl reported that he is reviewing a building that is going to be put on the market, Candahl noted this is part of a very preliminary investigation of available spaces. e. Heal reported that the Shelby crew only mowed part of Cliffside Drive. Discussion on the need for action on Xcel property and City right-of-way. f. Knutson reported she received a compliment about the brush pickup done by the Road Crew. g. Candahl asked for a reminder for residents to clear around their fire numbers , it makes response from Emergency Services easier if they can clearly see addresses. 17. Fire Department Report. a. Candahl gave a brief report. 18. Clerk’s Report. a. Berg reviewed written report, no action taken. 19. Adjourn. Motion by Ehler to adjourn at 7:37 p.m., second by Knutson. Motion carried Unanimously. Next Regular Meeting August 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at Town Hall. Following Regular Meeting August 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at All Star Lanes. Public Hearing on ATV/UTVs August 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at All Star Lanes. Respectfully submitted, Fortune Berg, Clerk