City of Onalaska

The council received a report from the Lacrosse Area Chamber of Commerce regarding their ongoing initiatives, regional representation, and pillars of advocacy, collaboration, and education. Additionally, a presentation was delivered by the Lacrosse Area Planning Commission concerning a feasibility study for a Regional Transit Authority. Key discussion points included the potential benefits of regionalized transit coordination, alternative funding mechanisms like a sales tax to support local transit services, and the challenges in passing enabling legislation at the state level.

The committee reviewed hiring updates, including the filling of several staff positions and the opening of the Fire Chief application process. License applications were approved for Butternut Road Coffee Truck LLC, covering alcohol sales and outdoor venue operations. Agents were appointed for alcohol licenses for multiple entities. The committee also updated the municipal ordinance regarding nepotism and amended the 2040 comprehensive plan future land use map. Financial reports for the general fund and the Omni Center were reviewed and approved, with the Omni Center showing a positive surplus for the year to date.

The Board approved a resolution declaring official intent to reimburse expenditures for a safe drinking water loan program. A change order for the Grand View Boulevard water main repair project was approved to cover costs for full-width pavement replacement and stabilization of soft soils. The Board also selected a consultant firm for the East Avenue Sidewalk Project. Additionally, the Board discussed an upcoming bid for the 7th Avenue and Wall Street reconstruction project and approved professional engineering services for the MS4 storm water permit and quality program.

The commission held an election for the vice chair position. A public hearing was conducted regarding an application to amend the future land use map for a parcel located at 1035 East Avenue North from traditional low-density residential to single-family attached residential midscale housing. Following the hearing, the commission discussed the proposal, noting that the amendment would allow for potential medium-density rowhouse development, and subsequently voted to recommend the adoption of the resolution approving the amendment.

The council discussed and granted the city attorney authority to resolve a claim previously reviewed in a closed session, followed by a formal adjournment of the meeting.