Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Crosse public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
22 issues with low priority
Downtown historic district sign standards
Commissioners flagged that the new Bodega sign is very large but the district's standards set no size limits — leaving the commission unable to require a smaller sign. Revisiting the standards may be a future project.
Bicentennial Trail Phase 3 reroute
The steep Bicentennial Trail climb in Lower Hixon Forest would be rerouted to under 10% grade, making it safer and easier to maintain. Construction could start in early 2027 after public input.
Leaf collection and road salt practices
Leaf collection starts in about two weeks — residents should pile leaves on the boulevard, not in the street, where they clog storm drains and add nutrients to waterways. Staff also previewed winter salt reduction using brine and sand.
Clean 2025 city audit
The city's books got a clean bill of health: unmodified opinion, no internal control findings, no federal or state grant findings, and just one minor audit adjustment.
No overnight parking at Eagle Watch lot
Overnight parking is now banned at the Eagle Watch public parking lot on the 2600 block of Rose Street.
Badger Hickey Park construction change order
The park building was shifted north to dodge flood issues, saving about $6,000 — but the contractor gets 120 extra days to finish, which prompted some resident calls about the 'delay.'
Metronet Fiber Expansion
A quick, day-or-two fiber conduit project downtown that the board wants kept clear of Oktoberfest weekend for safety and traffic reasons.
Elevator and escalator maintenance contract
The city is signing Kone to a three-year, $434,164.24 deal to keep all city elevators and escalators running, after comparing quotes from Otis and Schindler.
Urban Search and Rescue agreement renewal
La Crosse firefighters will keep training and deploying with Wisconsin's Urban Search and Rescue team — bluff rescues, confined space, swiftwater — with the state now paying $60 an hour, up from $55.
Ruthie's opening deadline extended
Odd Fellows Temple LLC (Ruthie's) missed its 90-day window to open after its May stipulation; the amendment gives more time, but if the doors aren't open by October 30 the license is automatically revoked with no hearing.
Conversion of 616 Saint Cloud St. to housing
A commercial-zoned building at 616 St. Cloud Street can now become a home with a garage and workshop on the first floor, after the committee unanimously adopted the rezone.
No-parking zone on Barnabee Road
Property owners representing most of the block frontage asked for no parking on the north side of the 1800 block. The city's long-standing practice counts frontage, not people, and the zone passed 4-1.
Heritage Award Property Recognition Program
A new surprise-award program thanks owners who thoughtfully maintain older homes with a letter and yard sign. Commissioners stressed it is not a historic designation to avoid confusing or alarming property owners.
Accessible water bubblers project bids over budget
Bids for installing accessible water bubblers came in over budget, and rejection of the bids was recommended — delaying the accessibility project.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan amendment
A resolution to amend the 2024 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan was on the agenda; the plan guides where the city invests in bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
Storm sewer and highway maintenance easement from Badger Corrugating
The city is acquiring an easement from Badger Corrugating Company so it can maintain storm sewer and highway infrastructure on or near that property. It's a routine land-rights deal that keeps drainage and road maintenance running smoothly.
FAA twenty-year land lease
The city was set to consider a twenty-year lease with the Federal Aviation Administration handled through Parks and Recreation. No decision is recorded.
Bicycle registration ordinance repeal proposal
A little-known city rule technically requires bike registration, but almost nobody does it and it's rarely enforced. One member wants it repealed; police say it helps recover stolen bikes. No action was taken.
Ride with the Mayor and citywide bike rodeo
The annual Ride with the Mayor happens June 12 at 9 a.m. along the future Wagon Wheel trail, and the kids' bike rodeo is tentatively July 21. Volunteers are needed.
Energy Saving Performance Contract Phase 3 results
The city's energy performance contract is delivering verified savings, and Phase 4 extends the deal a few more years, leaving room for more projects — including questions about savings from the Erickson Pool salt chlorination system.
Solar proposals and potential power purchase agreement
US Solar has submitted solar farm proposals to Xcel Energy; once those are decided, the committee can get an update on a potential city power purchase agreement.
Green Circle Recovery junk dealer license on Commerce Street
The council approved a junk dealer license at 3019 Commerce Street with a waiver of the 1,000-foot spacing rule; the applicant documented no burning or chemicals and noted a rail yard separates the site from most homes. Council Member Trost flagged that nearby rental residents were never really notified.