Amy Frandsen

The meeting addressed the 2025 Tourism Financials, noting that taxable sales through the third quarter were lower than the previous year, although total budgeted revenues had been surpassed as of October 31. Expenditures review noted that the contractual service payment to Explore La Crosse might exceed budget due to initial revenue budgeting assumptions. The Omni Center Manager provided an update on facility usage, including hosting hockey tournaments, various training sessions, trade shows, and cultural events. The Manager also noted the completion of dry floor season and the installation of ice for upcoming youth hockey and curling events. A report from Explore La Crosse included information on securing a tourism grant to promote the region during winter months, coordination for the Holiday Train event, site visits for potential USA Wrestling and USA Track & Field events, and updates on the ongoing discussion with WIAA regarding the State Track and Field Championships agreement renewal. The success of the Explore La Crosse trolley during the holiday season was also mentioned.

The key discussions focused on financial reports and operational updates. The commission reviewed the 2025 Tourism Financials, noting taxable sales and revenue figures, and finalized the year-end deficit, which had been budgeted. The Omni Center Manager provided a report highlighting the approximately 2,200 tracked room nights from events in 2025 and the strong start to 2026, including upcoming events and increased interest in curling following the Winter Olympics. The Explore La Crosse Director presented updates, including successful promotions like the Holiday Train, changes to the "Between the Bluffs Beverages and Bites" event branding, coordination of site visits, profitability of the 2025 trolley season, secured partnerships like the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships support, and the nomination of Explore La Crosse staff for Wisconsin Governors Awards. The commission also set the date for the next meeting.

The meeting covered public input and consideration of several items. Key discussions involved the Police Chief Hiring Process and Application Review. A motion was passed to convene in Closed Session to address employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data of a public employee. The meeting concluded with an adjournment.

The board meeting involved consideration and action on several items presented on the printed agenda. Key discussions included the approval of professional engineering services for the Sand Lake Road/US Highway 53 regional pond storm sewer project, with Strand being recommended for $260,000. The board also approved professional engineering services for the French Road/Crestwood Booster Station Water Main Extension Project, recommending Strand for $99,700. Additionally, the board entered into a state municipal agreement for Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding to make improvements at the intersection of 12th Avenue South and Oak Forest Drive. Further actions included awarding the bid for the State Trunk Highway 16 water main jack and bore project to Gerie Excavating for $311,391.40, and approving the contract with Municipal Well and Pump for pump and motor inspection and clay valve rebuild parts, totaling $77,682.

The Plan Commission meeting addressed multiple public hearings concerning Planned Unit Development (PUD) applications. Key discussions involved a request for a building addition to the Mayo Clinic on Alaska, which included seeking a deviation to reduce the minimum required parking stalls, justified by the relocation of a mobile imaging unit and no expected increase in patient volume. A second public hearing addressed a request for a deviation regarding a freestanding sign for an auto body shop on Theater Road, requiring a reduced setback due to the narrow parcel configuration and access limitations. Both applications involved staff support and subsequent approval by the commission with specified conditions. Additionally, the minutes of the previous meeting were approved.