Minutes

Town Board Meeting Minutes – APPROVED Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Time: 5:00 p.m. Location: Town Hall – 2800 Ward Ave, La Crosse, WI 54601 Present: Chairperson Tim Candahl, Supervisors Renee Knutson, Marlene Heal, and Tim Ehler, Administrator Christina Peterson, Treasurer Melissa Erdman, and Clerk Fortune Berg. Excused: Supervisor Tim Padesky. Attendance List: Paul Lansing (W5154 Kearns Court) and Jerry Severson (N969 Lauterbach Road) for Mormon Coulee Lions Club, Nicholas Weber (145 17th Street S), Tony Reyerson ( N2173 Briarwood Ave), and Grant Duchac (Excel Engineering). 1. Meeting called to order by Candahl at 5:01 p.m. 2. Minutes from 5/6/2025. Candahl noted changes to the minutes. Motion by Knutson to approve minutes from 5/6/2025 with corrections, second by Heal. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Bills Payable. Candahl asked a question on streetlights, Erdman explained how the bills are laid out. Candahl asked a question on Large Item Expense, Erdman explained the total expenses for the Large Item Drop Off and the tonnage charge for regular residential pickup. Erdman noted $179.00 annual charge on tax bill includes Large Item costs. Heal asked about the charge for Fringe Benefits to Gundersen, Erdman and Peterson answered and explained the Employee Assistance Program. Knutson asked about Constant Contact, Berg answered, discussion on E-Newsletter sign up and information. Heal asked about Sherwin Williams purchase, staff will ask Public Works for more specificity on receipts. Heal asked about General Engineering Company (GEC) cost, Erdman answered that it’s the cost for permits issued in the month of April. Heal asked about Rotary Club cost discrepancy, Erdman noted transposed, and will be changed. Motion by Knutson to pay open invoices for $75,245.62, second by Heal. Motion by Heal to accept closed invoices for $18,990.33, second by Ehler. Motions carried unanimously. 4. Public Comment. None. 5. Rezone Request for 11-37-0. This request includes parcels 11-16-0, 11-18-0, 11-35-1, and 11-37- 0. Peterson noted there was not a quorum at the Planning Commission, but the y were in favor of the rezone. Peterson noted the request is consistent with the Future Land Use Plan. Berg noted the parcels included in the rezone. Weber touched on the plan for development. Duchac stated the plans shown are not a final plat and were only submitted to provide an idea of what they hope to accomplish. Knutson, Heal and Ehler support the rezone. Motion by Knutson, to recommend approval of the rezone request to La Crosse County, second by Heal. Motion carried unanimously. 6. Driveway Variance for 11-2566-0 (Reyerson, N2173 Briarwood Ave – 2nd Driveway). Reyerson noted the pre-existing gravel path to the second garage. Peterson noted the need for review because of the ordinance disallowing two driveways. Discussion on crossing the right-of way, width of the parcel and traffic concerns. Motion by Ehler, to approve the variance with the condition that the driveway remain gravel only outside of the right -of- way and any damage to the right-of-way will be the responsibility of the landowner, second by Knutson. Motion carried unanimously. 7. Fireworks Sellers Permit Applications. Ehler commented that insurance certificates are sufficient, Berg confirmed the applications are the same as in previous years. Motion by Ehler, to approve Sales Permits for Skyline Fireworks and Snap Fireworks with the condition that they post the Wisconsin Fireworks Statute, take the name, date of birth and address of each buyer and post the approved sales permit, second by Heal. Motion carried unanimously. 8. Lion’s Club MOU – Mormon Coulee Park. Discussion on Mormon Coulee Lion’s Club use of the park. Candahl noted bridge deterioration. Knutson noted the bridge was intended for pedestrian traffic with access for emergency vehicles only. Candahl stated he and staff will be meeting with experts to see if the deterioration is safe for more than pedestrian traffic. Discussion on the lifespan of the decking and longevity of the bridge. Candahl will meet with Severson on site to get his concerns documented. No action taken. 9. Administrator and Public Works Report. a. Peterson reported on Law Enforcement Contract. Peterson met with the La Crosse County Sheriff. Discussion on options, letter of intent to contract for exclusive services. Peterson recommends full-time coverage or 75 hours every 2 weeks. Discussion on exclusive coverage and potential costs. b. Peterson reviewed the MS4 Stormwater Audit that she is in the process of completing (see attached). c. Peterson reported the rezone request for ORA was approved by the County Board. d. Knutson and Peterson are working on finding a consultant for the Bluffland signage and map project. e. Peterson reported that Ledegar Roofing will begin work soon at the Town Hall. Also, they are going to help patch the roof over the Fire Department classroom. f. Public Works is looking to order trees, working with Knutson to get tree order finalized. g. Public Works and Intern working on park inspections. h. Peterson reported that the Nolop Park playground equipment will be reinstalled soon. i. Peterson reported the sidewalk on Highway 14/61 is complete and open for public use. j. Wedgewood Valley Stormwater Project Public Information Meeting will be on 5/29 at 6:00 p.m. at the Fire Station Classroom. k. Wedgewood Valley Stormwater Project Pre-Construction Meeting with the contractor will be on 5/29 at 4:00 p.m. at Town Hall Boardroom. l. Peterson noted the request for replacing the fence by the Upper Wedgewood Terrace Park is being forwarded to the Parks Committee. 10. Chairperson and Supervisor Reports. a. Heal asked about Arbor Hills Well #2, Peterson answered staff is working with engineers and contractors, but no updates currently. 11. Fire Department Report. None. 12. Clerk’s Report. No questions. 13. Adjourn. Motion by Knutson to adjourn at 6:43 p.m., second by Heal. Motion carried Unanimously. Next Regular Meeting June 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at Town Hall. Respectfully submitted, Fortune M. Berg, Clerk.