City Hall  
City of La Crosse, Wisconsin  
400 La Crosse Street  
La Crosse, WI 54601  
Meeting Minutes  
Human Rights Commission  
Wednesday, April 22, 2026  
5:15 PM  
Eagle Room  
This meeting will also be conducted through video conferencing.  
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Call to Order  
Northwood called the meeting to order at 5:16 p.m.  
Roll Call  
5 -  
Present:  
A Xiong, Kimberly Cable, Rosanne Northwood, Marissa Sutherland,Kerrigan  
Trautsch  
Approval of Minutes  
Cable motioned to approve the Minutes, Trautsch seconded. The motion  
carried by a voice vote.  
Agenda Items:  
Discrimination Complaint - Nakia Lor v. James Owens  
26-0265  
1
Attorney Wertheimer stated that the hearing is not within 25 business day deadline in  
the municipal code. There was not quorum for the hearing's original date. The  
Commission then must determine whether it has "legal competency" and Wertheimer  
provided case law background on that. Cable did not see a date stamp on the  
complaint and asked how we know when the 25 has passed. Staff goes by when the  
Clerk notifies the Commissioners of the complaint, usually the same day or next  
business day it is received. Cable did not feel that the delay in the hearing affects the  
complaint.  
There were no speakers for the public hearing; neither the complainant nor the  
respondent were present. The discrimination did take place within 180 days. Trautsch  
considered the complaint more relevant to customer service rather than discrimination.  
Cable concurred.  
Cable motioned that the HRC has legal competency on this case, Trautsch  
seconded. The motion passed by a voice vote. Xiong recused herself.  
Cable motioned that the complaint does not allege sufficient facts the  
complaint is not actionable, Sutherland seconded. The motion carried by a  
voice vote.  
Discrimination Complaint - Melissa Fixmer v. Patricia Nuttall  
26-0443  
2
Staff outlined process for complainant and respondent to speak. Fixmer provided an  
overview of the complaint. Northwood double checked that Fixmer lives in La Crosse.  
Her doctor is based in Onalaska. Fixmer requested ESA accommodation mid-lease.  
Fixmer stated that Nuttall requested her attorney accept liability for damage caused by  
the ESA and cosign the lease. Fixmer and roommates are all on the same lease.  
Fixmer stated that the ERD has put her complaint on hold until the City makes a  
determination. Wertheimer shared Wis. Stats. 106.50. Fixmer stated that roommates  
had been in support of her having an ESA but changed their minds.  
Wertheimer can't advise Nuttall on legal matters. Nuttall did not learn about the  
meeting until the night before and will provide her own evidence when she is able to put  
it all together. Staff will look for proof of email notification. Respondent would have 20  
days to respond to complaint if the complaint alleges sufficient facts. Northwood  
verified Nuttall's contact information listed in the complaint.  
Northwood stated that the discrimination occurred within 180 days and in the city of La  
Crosse. The discrimination is based on disability, age, and student status. Staff  
reminded the committee meetings are regularly the fourth Wednesday of the month.  
Northwood convened the meeting in closed session.  
Northwood reconvened the meeting in open session.  
Trautsch motioned that the complaint alleges sufficient facts that, if true, the  
complaint is actionable, Cable seconded. The motion carried by a voice vote.  
Discrimination Complaint Form Revision  
26-0114  
26-0320  
3
4
Attachments:  
Current Form  
Draft Revised Form  
A motion was made by Trautsch, seconded by Cable, that this discussion be  
REFERRED to the next meeting. The motion carried by voice vote.  
Discussion on Human Rights Commission's Powers and Duties  
Staff went over Sec. 22-23(2). Outside of discrimination complaint, the commission  
has opportunities for education and outreach. The Commission has money in the  
Attorney's budget for independent hearing examiners. Outreach about fair housing  
discrimination could be funded through the Community Development Block Grant.  
Staff will ask about the process for requesting these funds. Past examples include  
fair housing brochures. Cable suggested improvements to the website to let them  
know what the HRC does. Next steps may include a discussion on the content of  
educational materials such as brochures. Staff could update the website along with  
the updated complaint form so they are in sync, such as FAQ and How-to--which could  
be in the form a video. Staff will ask how funds can be spent and who approves it.  
Adjournment  
Northwood adjourned the meeting at 6:34 p.m.  
Notice is further given that members of other governmental bodies may be present at the  
above scheduled meeting to gather information about a subject over which they have  
decision-making responsibility.  
NOTICE TO PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY  
Requests from persons with a disability who need assistance to participate in this meeting  
should call the City Clerk's office at (608) 789-7510 or send an email to  
ADAcityclerk@cityoflacrosse.org, with as much advance notice as possible.