Minutes-Regular Board Meeting 08-18-2026

Regular Village Board Meeting Minutes 08/18/2026 1 Unofficial Minutes until approved by the Village Board VILLAGE BOARD MEETING LA CROSSE COUNTY, WISCONSIN REGULAR VILLAGE BOARD MEETING TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026 6:00 P.M. VILLAGE HALL 2219 BAINBRIDGE STREET, LA CROSSE, WI 54603 1) Meeting Called to Order / Pledge of Allegiance: Meeting called to order at 6:00 P.M. 2) Roll Call & Verify Public Notice: Present: President Kapanke, Trustee Wolfert, Trustee Harney, Trustee Donahue, Trustee Davison, Trustee Stolpa, Trustee Werner Also Present: DPW Jason Hilton, Police Chief Trisha Stratman, Fire Chief Nate Melby, Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Stahl Pursuant to law, written notice of this meeting was properly posted and provided in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.84. Following roll call, President Kapanke and Trustee Werner requested that the Board recognize the passing of Steve Brown, a lifelong member of the French Island community and a member of the French Island Fire Department for more than 50 years. President Kapanke shared a brief reflection on Mr. Brown and his contributions to the Village and community. The Village Board observed a moment of silence in his memory. 3) Public Comment: (limit to 5 minutes per person) Motion to receive public comment made by Trustee Donahue/Trustee Wolfert. Motion carried 7-0. Brad Friske, 2621 Hibbard Ct., gave comment on the public comment portion of meetings and expressed concern regarding follow-up or action following comments made by residents at meetings. Mr. Friske questioned what the procedure is when a resident brings a concern before the Board. The resident also commented on the meeting minutes, stating that the minutes are brief and requested that comments be recorded and transcribed in greater detail. He also referenced Blueway and stated that he has observed an increase in calls. He asked what the Village's plan is regarding Blueway. Jeff Foellmi, 1503 Caroline St., commented on the Village taking over County mowing responsibilities near the off-ramp and requested that the matter go to referendum. Mr. Foellmi also raised concerns regarding noxious weeds around properties with remaining foundations, including the La Crescent St. property and former school property. Angie Shimshack, 3144 Howry, acknowledged receiving feedback from the Clerk regarding virtual meetings. Bob Wolfert, 904 Susan Place, commented on the public comment process and stated that concerns had typically been addressed individually by Board members based on their areas of responsibility. Mr. Wolfert also discussed online meetings and the Village's current technological limitations for public interaction during virtual meetings. Regular Village Board Meeting Minutes 08/18/2026 2 Motion to close public comment by Trustee Donahue/Trustee Harney. Motion carried 7-0. 4) Consent Agenda: (All items listed are considered routine and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Board member so requests, in which case the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and be considered on the Regular Agenda) A. Approval of Minutes: Regular Board Meeting 07/14/2026, Special Town Board Meeting 07/29/2026, and Special Town Board Meeting 08/06/2026 B. Plan Commission Meeting Recommendations: Planning Commission Petition #2026-01 Benjamin Hanson, 2552 Island Park Rd., petition for a Conditional Use Permit and August 4, 2026 meeting recap. C. Payment of Bills: Trustee Werner requested that the August 6, 2026 Special Meeting minutes and Payment of Bills be removed from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. Trustee Donahue requested that the July 14, 2026 Regular Board Meeting minutes be removed for correction. Motion to approve consent agenda excluding Trustee Werner and Trustee Donahue’s exceptions. Motion carried 7-0 Regular Board Meeting 07/14/2026: Trustee Donahue requested correction was to add Mike Horstman to Item K. Payment of Bills: Trustee Werner asked questions regarding FICA withholding, cell phone stipends, and payroll eligibility and payroll documentation requirements. Motion to Approve consent agenda with the changes 07/14/2026 minutes, 08/06/2026 minutes, payment of bills and plan celebration committee by Trustee Wolfert/Trustee Davison. Motion carried 7-0. 5) Business: A. Guest Speaker – Sam Scinta, La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce Mr. Scinta provided an update on Chamber initiatives, including efforts with airport officials and legislators to secure funding to attract additional airlines and routes to the La Crosse Regional Airport and retain tourism dollars within Wisconsin. Mr. Scinta also discussed the Northern Grain Belt Ports Initiative, a long-term partnership involving the Prairie du Chien and La Crosse Chambers of Commerce, La Crosse County and City Harbor Commission, and the Upper Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission. The initiative focuses on river transportation, regional economic development, and improving agricultural access to markets. No action. B. Speaker of LOPRD (Jeff Fimreite), discussion of cautionary of weed cutting (Trustee Donahue) Mr. Fimreite provided an update on Lake Onalaska restoration efforts, including the dredging project from Mosey Landing to Red Pines. He discussed ongoing sediment and weed concerns affecting water quality, fish habitat, recreation, and tourism. Mr. Fimreite requested a $2,000 annual Village contribution toward weed cutting, which costs approximately $18,000 annually, with La Crosse County contributing $10,000. President Kapanke noted a previous request of $2,000. Mr. Fimreite Regular Village Board Meeting Minutes 08/18/2026 3 confirmed the $2,000.00 is the correct amount and LOPRD would like to request annually. Trustee Wolfert asked about continued weed cutting and prioritization of areas based on funding. Motion by Trustee Wolfert/Trustee Donahue to allocate $2,000 to the weed cutting fund. Motion carried 6-1. Trustee Werner voted no. C. USDA-RD Grant discussion and possible action on facilities feasibility (Village President/Police Chief) Chief Stratman provided an update on efforts to secure grant and loan funding for facility upgrades, including ADA compliance. She is working with USDA Rural Development and Julie on pre- application requirements, including an architectural feasibility report. Chief Stratman requested the item be held over pending further review of the grant requirements. Held over. D. Discussion and possible action to start a Community Development Authority Committee (Village President/Police Chief) President Kapanke and Chief Stratman discussed establishing a Community Development Authority (CDA), as recommended by Julie Giese of USDA Rural Development. A CDA could provide additional grant and loan opportunities for community development, tourism, and commercial and residential redevelopment. The Board discussed including the CDA in the Village Charter Ordinance. Held over. E. Discussion and possible action on Boat Launch Parking App (Village President/Police Chief) Chief Stratman discussed replacing the current boat launch envelope system with an app-based payment system using license plates to improve payment and enforcement. She will research cost- effective options, with funding from the boat launch fund. Item to be added to future meeting agenda. Held over. F. Discussion and possible action on test run on mowing around on and off ramp (Village President) DPW Hilton presented to the Board requesting a trial run of mowing of areas around the interstate ramps to determine future costs to maintain these areas as the County is only allowed to mow twice a year due to the State budget allocated. Trustee Donahue recommended mowing timing to avoid bird nesting and pollinator seasons. Motion by Trustee Wolfert/Trustee Davison to approve test run mowing as long as they can accommodate the bird ground nesting season. Motion carried 7-0 G. Discussion and possible action on AWWA Membership (Village President) Public Works Director Hilton discussed the Village’s water organization memberships, noting that WRWA and AWWA offer different training, grant, water quality, and professional resources. The discussed membership cost is $385 annually. Trustee Werner asked for a list of memberships the Village is a part of and the cost associated. Motion by Trustee Wolfert/Trustee Harney to review AWWA membership during 2027 budget season. Motion carried 7-0. Regular Village Board Meeting Minutes 08/18/2026 4 H. Discussion and possible action on Village Logo (Trustee Donahue) History, Culture, Beauty Trustee Donahue advised the board the art logo committee members were: naturalist, landscape designer/artist, architect/artist, curator/design and multimedia expert; also, as a moderator she did not vote. The committee reviewed entries based on the contest rules and were evaluated based on contest criteria, including representation of French Island’s history, culture and natural features, design, and versatility. The Board discussed potential modifications to the selected design, displaying entries at the Incorporation Celebration, and potential of adding a slogan at a later date. The top three art-logo submissions were presented to the Board and Trustee Donahue explained the reasoning for the committee’s selection of number one including the portrayal of two rivers, island shape and sunset. Motion by Trustee Donahue/Trustee Wolfert for the number 1 selection of the committee be the next Village of French Island Logo. Motion carried 5-2. Trustee Stolpa & Trustee Werner voted no. I. Celebration Committee Update (Village President) President Kapanke and Trustee Donahue provided an update on the Incorporation Celebration. Current costs total approximately $6,600, excluding cost of fireworks. Morning event expenses, postcard mailing, and yard signs have been secured by donation. Additional business and free-will donations are anticipated. Invitations and responses from elected representatives were also discussed. Motion by Trustee Donahue/Trustee Davison to select August 29th as the official celebration date. Motion carried 7-0. J. Discussion and possible action on Fireworks Permit for event (Village President) The Board discussed the fireworks estimate for the Incorporation Celebration came in higher than amount previously discussed. Board agreed to not proceed with a fireworks show. No action. K. Charter Committee Update (Village President) President Kapanke reviewed previously approved committee motions. The Board discussed Wis. Stat. § 893.01; whether non-elected residents may serve on Village committees under Wis. Stat. and the potential liability and insurance considerations for appointed volunteers. Additional guidance will be requested from the WTA and League of Wisconsin Municipalities, with the matter to be revisited in September. Motion by Trustee Donahue/President Kapanke to review Charter Ordinance in September based upon new information. Motion carried 7-0. L. Municipal Water System/PFAS update (Village President /Trustee Donahue) President Kapanke provided an update on the PSC application, advised the PSC has accepted the updated application for Village of French Island and that PSC has statutory 90 days to review the application and also noted if a municipality, such as City of La Crosse, intervenes then another 90 days may be added to the application review process. Trustee Donahue gave an update on the recent soil testing that was conducted throughout French Island to evaluate PFAS levels and movement through soil and groundwater. Donahue also stated additional residential water sampling will occur south of the Regular Village Board Meeting Minutes 08/18/2026 5 airport, anticipated for September/October of this year. View a full read of Trustee Donahue’s PFAS update here: PFAS Update August 18, 2026.pdf President Kapanke also discussed the financial impact of ongoing water-related expenses, noting approximately $836,000 is due from the Water Utility and Village reserves continue to decline. No action needed. At this time President Kapanke asked if no objection to go to agenda item O. O. July 2026 Treasurer’s Report (President Kapanke/Clerk Stahl) Clerk Stahl presented the State Bank balances as of 07/31/2026 and advised the Board as of 07/31/2026 the water utility owes the General Fund approximately $836,000, that to date the understanding is future funding sources will reimburse to the General Fund as the water utility is not drawing water revenue yet. Trustee Donahue confirmed the amount is Due From Water Utility due to General Fund. At this time President Kapanke asked to return to the original agenda schedule. M. Discussion and action on Interim Financing State Bank and motion to approve authorized signers (Village President) The Board discussed interim financing with State Bank and the need to designate authorized loan signers. A line of credit of up to $1 million at approximately 6.75% interest was discussed as a financial safety net while awaiting PSC action and other funding. Clerk Stahl advised this a continuation of previous conversation with State Bank as interim financing is required by USDA-RD loan funding. Stahl explained that State Bank is requiring discussion and action of the new Village Board for confirmation of proceeding with interim financing and designating authorized signers for an interim financing loan. Anticipated revenues and year-end expenses were reviewed, including approximately $400,000 in property tax settlement, $282,000 in state shared revenue, a $258,000 State Bank loan payment, annual Town insurance renewal in November 2026 of approximately $90,000, and ongoing professional and engineering expenses. The Board also reviewed areas currently over budget, primarily due to professional fees, engineering fees (relation to water system), technology, election, and financial administration costs. President Kapanke noted the City of La Crosse’s appeal of incorporation has increased expenses for professional fees. Motion by Trustee Davison/Trustee Wolfert to approve line of credit up to a million dollars and approve signers for the financing. Motion carried 7-0. Motion by Trustee Davison/Trustee Wolfert to allow President Kapanke, Clerk Stahl, Trustee Werner to be signers for State bank paperwork. Motion carried 7-0. N. Discussion and possible action on Clerk/Treasurer Laptop (Village President) The Clerk discussed the need to replace her laptop due to performance and reliability issues, noting funds are available in the current Clerk General Operations budget line. Quotes from MCS and comparable options were reviewed, and the need to replace the election laptop was also noted. Regular Village Board Meeting Minutes 08/18/2026 6 Motion by Trustee Stolpa/Trustee Davison for Clerk to purchase a new laptop. Motion carried 7-0. O. July 2026 Treasurer’s Report (Village President/Clerk) Previously Discussed, No action. P. Discussion and possible action on 2027 Budget Meeting (Village President) President Kapanke advised the board the need to schedule a first 2027 budget meeting. Trustee Wolfert explained the need to assign areas for budget review in the interim of committees being established. The board members collectively agreed on the below assignments of area and the meeting date of Monday, September 14th, 2026 at 4:00 P.M. Trustee Wolfert – Sewer Trustee Stolpa – Streets and Roads Trustee Davison – Parks Trustee Werner – overall budget review Trustee Donahue – Health and Wellness Trustee Harney – Admin & Finance President Kapanke – Buildings & Grounds Q. Discussion and possible action on the publishing/posting of Village Meeting Minutes (Village President) President Kapanke and Clerk Stahl explained to the Board that with becoming a Village the State Statute states if a newspaper publishes within the Village, the meeting minutes have to be published. They continued to explain that due to not having a publishing newspaper the Village does have to have on record how meeting minutes will be posted to the public. Motion by Trustee Donahue/Trustee Harney for minutes to be posted at village hall, on village website and 10 copies at the library after every meeting. Motion carried 7-0 R. Discussion and possible action on Market and Johnson invoice to reconstruct Fire Department Training Tower (Village President) President Kapanke advised the invoice is to reconstruct the Fire Department Training Tower as it was previously deconstructed to accommodate for water system infrastructure. Fire Chief Nate Melby discussed the importance of having the training tower for fire department training and relation to ISO rating and property insurance rates. Clerk Stahl advised the invoice to deconstruct the training tower was reimbursed by Safe Drinking Water Loan Program. Motion by Trustee Wolfert/Trustee Donahue to pay the Market & Johnson invoice of $16,401.00 due from Water Utility. Motion carried 7-0 S. Discussion and action to Amend Ordinance 2026-08 Noxious Weeds – Height (Trustee Donahue) Trustee Donahue explained height was inadvertently removed in the last update and this amendment would add it back. ORDINANCE NO. 2026-08 TO AMEND SEC. 18-2(C) NOXIOUS WEEDS.pdf The Board also had discussion regarding weeds along shoreland properties, DNR & EPA allowances/regulations and determined there will be discussion at a future meeting. Regular Village Board Meeting Minutes 08/18/2026 7 Motion by Trustee Donahue/Trustee Wolfert to accept the edit of ordinance 2026-08. Motion carried 7-0. T. Discussion on City of La Crosse Sewer Contract Negotiations (Village President) President Kapanke advised the Village Attorney Weber had sent requests to City officials including to City Attorney, City Mayor and City Council members requesting a meeting to review a sewer contract. Kapanke stated no response had been received to date and that he believes the City of La Crosse will not take further action until the City’s appeal to the DOA has been concluded. No action. U. Discussion and possible action on the sale of parcel 04-01253-001 (Skipperliner) (Village President) President Kapanke referred to the lease agreement that has been in place with Skipperliner and advised that, based on the lease agreement, the parcel has been paid for and it is now a matter of transferring the property pursuant to the lease contract. President Kapanke advised that Skipperliner will need to provide written acceptance of the transaction. Clerk Stahl and DPW Hilton also reminded the Board of the Public Works easement that will need to be documented. Motion by Trustee Wolfert/Trustee Donahue to move forward with formalized transfer established and transfer of an easement; conditional upon receiving the letter for purchase and the easement. Motion carried 7-0 The Board took a recess at this time. (9:09 P.M.) Meeting called back to order. Motion to convene in Closed Session pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes §19.85(1)(c) on a roll call vote made by Trustee Donahue/Trustee Harney. President Kapanke – yes Trustee Wolfert-yes Trustee Harney-yes Trustee Donahue-yes Trustee Davison-yes Trustee Stolpa-yes Trustee Werner-yes Motion carried 7 yes – 0 no (9:15 P .M.) 6) CLOSED SESSION Pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes 19.85 (1) (c) Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility. A. Discussion and possible action on Deputy Clerk candidate 7) Reconvene in Open Session Motion by Trustee Donahue/Trustee Davison to go into open. Motion carried 7-0 Motion by Trustee Stolpa/Trustee Davison to hire Elyse Ramseier as Deputy Clerk with a starting pay at $21.00 to be revisited in 30 days. Motion carried 7-0 Motion by Trustee Donahue/Trustee Davison to adjourn Motion carried 7-0 (9:42 P .M.)