City Hall  
City of La Crosse, Wisconsin  
400 La Crosse Street  
La Crosse, WI 54601  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
Common Council  
Thursday, December 14, 2023  
6:00 PM  
Council Chambers  
City Hall, First Floor  
Mayor Mitch Reynolds, Presiding  
Roll Call  
12 -  
Present:  
Tamra Dickinson, Barb Janssen, Larry Sleznikow, Jenasea Hameister,  
Chris Kahlow, Mac Kiel, Mackenzie Mindel, Chris Woodard, Rebecca  
Schwarz, Jennifer Trost, Douglas Happel, Mark Neumann  
1 - Erin Goggin  
Excused:  
Pledge of Allegiance  
Invocation  
Moment of silence.  
Approval of Minutes  
A motion was made by Janssen, seconded by Kahlow, to APPROVE minutes of  
November 9, 13, and 27, 2023; the motion carried unanimously.  
Reports  
Financial Report from the Director of Finance for the Month of October 2023.  
23-1483  
2023-12-001  
A motion was made by Neumann, seconded by Schwarz, that the Report be  
RECEIVED AND FILED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
11 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Janssen, Sleznikow, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel, Woodard, Schwarz,  
Trost, Happel, Neumann  
1 - Goggin  
Excused:  
1 - Hameister  
Non-Voting:  
Notices and Discussions  
Mindel thanked Officer Howe and library staff for their assistance over the weekend  
when her family was involved in a car accident. She noted that she and the Mayor had  
accepted the Sustainability Institute's 2023 Inspiring Sustainability awarded to the City  
as an organization; she also noted that staff member Lewis Kuhlman, had a pivotal  
role in making that happen and was also nominated for the award as an individual.  
Trost acknowledged Deputy Director Trussoni, Assistant City Attorney Atterbury,  
Planning Administrator Acklin, Sustainability Planner Kuhlman, Associate Planner  
Dinkel, Planning Director Trane, City Clerk Elsen, Deputy Clerk Craig, Natural  
Resources Manager Leah Miller, Compliance Specialist Washtock, Finance Director  
Hawkins, Property Appraiser Benrud, Director of Engineering and Public Works  
Gallager, Streets crew, and Library Director Grant for their assistance on various topics  
and projects throughout the year.  
Sleznikow also recognized all city staff for their work throughout the year, especially  
the streets crew for being able to continue through staffing issues for leaf collection  
through the extended warmer weather.  
Kiel invited everyone to the Homeless Person's Memorial taking place December 21  
honoring the La Crosse area friends, family, and neighbors that were lost in 2023.  
Mayor Reynolds noted that he had returned from the United Nations Climate Change  
Conference where he was able to talk about and bring attention to our City's climate  
action plan. He thanked the Climate Action Plan Steering Committee in the work that  
they continue to do in making sure that the City stays dedicated to the goals and  
actions of the plan. Reynolds also recognized the La Crosse Municipal Airport for  
being recognized as the second most reliable airport out of 390 airports in the United  
States. He also noted that the Federal Security Director of the Transportation Security  
Administration visited the airport to recognize the police officers who were involved in  
relation to the security incursion earlier in November.  
ROLL CALL  
Goggin arrived at 6:05 p.m.  
13 -  
Present:  
Tamra Dickinson, Erin Goggin, Barb Janssen, Larry Sleznikow, Jenasea  
Hameister, Chris Kahlow, Mac Kiel, Mackenzie Mindel, Chris Woodard,  
Rebecca Schwarz, Jennifer Trost, Douglas Happel, Mark Neumann  
COMMON COUNCIL MATTERS  
Resolution approving 2023 Bills and Engineering Estimates paid in December  
23-1482  
2023.  
2023-12-002  
A motion was made by Schwarz, seconded by Kahlow, that the Resolution be  
ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
13 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel,  
Woodard, Schwarz, Trost, Happel, Neumann  
APPOINTMENTS BY THE MAYOR  
Arts Board: Mary Cate Wesling, Paige Shafrath (Manges); La Crosse County  
23-1442  
Convention and Visitors Bureau: Jennifer Burch, Vicki Markussen; Heritage  
Preservation: Laura Godden.  
2023-12-003  
A motion was made by Janssen, seconded by Mindel, that the Appointments be  
CONFIRMED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
13 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel,  
Woodard, Schwarz, Trost, Happel, Neumann  
REPORT OF BIDS/QUOTES RECOMMENDED TO BE ADOPTED  
Report of Bids and Resolution awarding contract to Market & Johnson, Inc. in  
23-1351  
the amount of $671,193.00 for the La Crosse PD 2nd Level Renovations  
Project.  
2023-12-004  
A motion was made by Kahlow, seconded by Mindel, that the Resolution be  
ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
13 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel,  
Woodard, Schwarz, Trost, Happel, Neumann  
Report of Bids and Resolution awarding contract to Chippewa Concrete, Inc.  
in the amount of $3,675,564.14 for the Causeway Boulevard project  
23-1386  
2023-12-005  
A motion was made by Janssen, seconded by Goggin, that the Resolution be  
ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
13 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel,  
Woodard, Schwarz, Trost, Happel, Neumann  
REPORT OF BIDS/QUOTES RECOMMENDED TO BE REJECTED  
Report of Bids for the Southside Neighborhood Center Reroofing Project.  
23-1349  
2023-12-006  
A motion was made by Goggin, seconded by Sleznikow, that the Report of Bids  
be REJECTED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
13 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel,  
Woodard, Schwarz, Trost, Happel, Neumann  
ITEMS RECOMMENDED TO BE DIVIDED  
AN ORDINANCE to create Article XIX and to make various changes in  
23-0867  
Chapter 115 of the Code of Ordinances for the City of La Crosse regarding  
short term rentals.  
2023-12-007  
A motion was made by Neumann, seconded by Kiel, that the Ordinance be  
DIVIDED per J&A Committee (into 23-1451 and 23-1452). The motion carried by  
the following vote:  
11 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel,  
Schwarz, Happel, Neumann  
2 - Woodard, Trost  
No:  
AN AMENDED ORDINANCE to create Article XIX of the Code of Ordinances  
of the City of La Crosse regarding short term rentals.  
23-1451  
Ord. 5269. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances.  
A motion was made by Trost, seconded by Kahlow, that the Ordinance be  
ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
11 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel, Schwarz,  
Trost, Happel, Neumann  
2 - Goggin, Woodard  
No:  
AN AMENDED ORDINANCE to amend Chapter 115 of the Code of  
Ordinances for the City of La Crosse regarding bed and breakfasts.  
23-1452  
Ord. 5270. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances.  
A motion was made by Trost, seconded by Kahlow, that the Ordinance be  
ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
12 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel,  
Schwarz, Trost, Happel, Neumann  
1 - Woodard  
No:  
ITEM WITH NO RECOMMENDATION  
Resolution authorizing the appointment of Ava Giminski as a “Humane  
23-1491  
Officer” as required by Wis. Stats. Sec. 173.03 to perform humane officer  
duties for the City.  
2023-12-008  
A motion was made by Janssen, seconded by Schwarz, that the Resolution be  
ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
13 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel,  
Woodard, Schwarz, Trost, Happel, Neumann  
ITEM RECOMMENDED TO BE ADOPTED  
Amended Resolution amending Appendix C Fee Schedule regarding  
short-term rental registration.  
23-0976  
23-1202  
23-1301  
2023-12-009  
A motion was made by Sleznikow, seconded by Schwarz, that the Resolution  
be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
12 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel,  
Schwarz, Trost, Happel, Neumann  
1 - Woodard  
No:  
AN ORDINANCE to create Chapter 40, Article VII regarding property owner  
notification and administrative fees in connection with vacations of public way.  
Ord. 5271. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances.  
A motion was made by Sleznikow, seconded by Janssen, that the Ordinance  
be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
12 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel,  
Woodard, Schwarz, Happel, Neumann  
1 - Trost  
No:  
Resolution approving application of Kwik Trip Inc. for a Conditional Use Permit  
at 2622 Rose St., allowing for demolition of structure for future development  
with a portion to be used for employee parking.  
Referred to the January 2024 meetings  
A motion was made by Goggin, seconded by Janssen, that the Resolution be  
REFERRED for 30 days. The motion carried by the following vote:  
12 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel,  
Schwarz, Trost, Happel, Neumann  
1 - Woodard  
Abstain:  
AN ORDINANCE to amend Subsection 115-110 of the Code of Ordinances of  
the City of La Crosse by transferring certain property from the Local Business  
District and the Single Family Residence District to the Commercial District  
allowing for remodel and additions to current retail store, new fueling system  
and pumps, and a new parking area at 921 and 925 Losey Blvd. S.  
23-1314  
Ord. 5272. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances.  
A motion was made by Janssen, seconded by Neumann, that the Ordinance be  
ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
11 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kiel, Mindel, Schwarz,  
Trost, Happel, Neumann  
1 - Kahlow  
No:  
1 - Woodard  
Abstain:  
Second Amended resolution approving application of GMX Real Estate Group  
LLC for a Conditional Use Permit at 3900 State Road 16 allowing for  
demolition of structure for future development of three quick serve  
23-1338  
restaurants, a carwash, and new parking stalls. (Note: The Committee and/or  
Council may convene in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(g) to confer with legal  
counsel. Following such closed session, the Committees and/or Council may reconvene in  
open session.)  
Referred to the January 2024 meetings.  
A motion was made by Goggin, seconded by Janssen, that the Resolution be  
REFERRED for 30 days. The motion carried by the following vote:  
13 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel,  
Woodard, Schwarz, Trost, Happel, Neumann  
Resolution amending park location for improvements from Northside  
Community Pool to Erickson Pool.  
23-1357  
2023-12-010  
A motion was made by Janssen, seconded by Sleznikow, that the Resolution  
be ADOPTED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
11 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kiel, Mindel, Woodard,  
Schwarz, Trost, Happel, Neumann  
2 - Goggin, Kahlow  
No:  
ITEM RECOMMENDED TO BE RE-REFERRED  
AN ORDINANCE to amend Section 115-390(1)d.3. and to create Section  
23-1243  
115-405 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Crosse to allow  
accessory dwelling units.  
Referred to the February 2024 meetings.  
A motion was made by Kahlow, seconded by Woodard, that the Ordinance be  
REFERRED for 60 days. The motion carried by the following vote:  
10 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Mindel, Woodard,  
Schwarz, Happel, Neumann  
3 - Janssen, Kiel, Trost  
No:  
ITEM PULLED FROM CONSENT AGENDA  
Amended Resolution establishing additional absentee voting locations for the  
23-1285  
2024 elections.  
A motion was made by Kiel, seconded by Kahlow to ADOPT.  
A motion was made by Mindel, seconded by Kahlow, that the Resolution be  
AMENDED to add Cleary Alumni Center as an absentee voting site. The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
13 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel,  
Woodard, Schwarz, Trost, Happel, Neumann  
2023-12-011  
A motion was made by Kiel, seconded by Kahlow, that the Resolution be  
ADOPTED AS AMENDED. The motion carried by the following vote:  
13 -  
Yes:  
Dickinson, Goggin, Janssen, Sleznikow, Hameister, Kahlow, Kiel, Mindel,  
Woodard, Schwarz, Trost, Happel, Neumann  
CONSENT AGENDA  
A motion was made by Janssen, seconded by Kiel, that the Consent Agenda be  
ADOPTED. The motion carried unanimously.  
ITEMS RECOMMENDED TO BE ADOPTED  
AN ORDINANCE to amend Subsection 115-110 of the Code of Ordinances of  
the City of La Crosse by transferring certain property from the Special Multiple  
Dwelling District to the Planned Development District - General allowing for  
construction of approximately 14 2-bedroom homes at 5917 River Run Rd.  
23-0791  
Ord. 5273. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances.  
AN ORDINANCE to amend Section 6-16(2)(a) and (e) of the Code of  
Ordinances of the City of La Crosse regarding the keeping of chickens.  
23-1248  
23-1300  
Ord. 5274. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances.  
AN ORDINANCE to amend Subsection 115-110 of the Code of Ordinances of  
the City of La Crosse by transferring certain property from the Traditional  
Neighborhood Development District - General to the Traditional Neighborhood  
Development District - Specific allowing for a multifamily residential building  
with a community service facility at 410 and 414 Mississippi St, 1107, 1113,  
1117, 1119, 1123, 1125 and 1127 4th St. S., and 403 and 409-411 Jackson  
St.  
Ord. 5275. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances.  
AN ORDINANCE to amend Subsection 115-110 of the Code of Ordinances of  
the City of La Crosse by transferring certain property from the Planned  
Development District - General to the Planned Development District General  
allowing for a multifamily residential building with affordable housing units and  
a community service facility/hospital use space at 2301 7th St. S.  
23-1319  
Ord. 5276. For complete ordinance, see p. _________ of Volume 12 of Ordinances.  
Resolution granting various license applications pursuant to Chapter 10,  
Articles XIII, XIV, and XVIII of the La Crosse Municipal Code for the 2024  
license period (Public Vehicle for Hire, Horse-Drawn Vehicle, Pedicabs and  
Pedal Cars).  
23-1154  
23-1210  
2023-12-012  
Resolution amending Appendix C Fee Schedule regarding administrative fee  
for public way vacations.  
2023-12-013  
Resolution approving Election Officials for 2024-2025.  
23-1255  
23-1266  
2023-12-014  
Resolution reallocating current Capital funds to lessen the borrowing amount  
for 2024 Fire Capital Equipment - Portable Radios (E375).  
2023-12-015  
Resolution relocating District 10 polling place effective January 1, 2024.  
23-1284  
23-1315  
2023-12-016  
Resolution authorizing contract renewal for hazardous materials training  
contract between the City of La Crosse Fire Department and City Brewery.  
2023-12-017  
Resolution approving the second five-year Lease Agreement extension  
between the City of La Crosse and Hanke Terminals, Inc.  
23-1337  
23-1355  
23-1362  
23-1367  
2023-12-018  
Resolution authorizing a 3-year Marketing Agreement between La Crosse  
Beverage LLC and the La Crosse Center.  
2023-12-019  
Resolution approving an agreement with Byerson Specialized Protection  
Services and the La Crosse Center for event security.  
2023-12-020  
Resolution approving the sale of City owned surplus properties on Kinney  
Coulee Rd, consisting of parcel 17-10575-64 and 17-10575-63, to Sarah and  
Dylan Delagrave.  
2023-12-021  
Resolution authorizing the Mayor to file application for Transit Operations and  
Capital Assistance for 2024 with the Federal Transit Administration.  
23-1372  
23-1373  
23-1375  
23-1378  
23-1388  
23-1389  
2023-12-022  
Resolution authorizing the Mayor to file for 2024 Transit Operations and  
Capital Assistance with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.  
2023-12-023  
Resolution Approving American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding for the 5  
Year Consolidated Plan.  
2023-12-024  
Resolution Approving the Plan of Dissolution and the Dissolution of the  
Gundersen/City of La Crosse Neighborhood Development Corporation, Inc.  
2023-12-025  
Resolution approving Sanitary Sewer Utility rate increases effective January 1,  
2024.  
2023-12-026  
Resolution amending Appendix C Fee Schedule to reflect 2024 Sanitary  
Sewer Fee Increase.  
2023-12-027  
Adjournment  
Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 p.m.