Board of Public Works approves Theater Road Improvement bid from McCabe Construction

The Board of Public Works and Utilities meeting held on April 1, 2025, in Onalaska, Wisconsin, focused on several key topics, including the approval of minutes from the previous meeting and significant infrastructure projects.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, confirming the presence of board members and noting that Mayor Kim Smith was excused. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously after a motion by Dan Stevens and a second by Sabrina Steger.

A major highlight of the meeting was the discussion surrounding the Theodore Road Improvements Project. This long-awaited project, which has been in planning for nearly 20 years, includes the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of PH and Theater Road, along with milling and pavement improvements along Theater Road from PH to Midwest Drive. The board reviewed bids for the project, with McCabe Construction submitting the lowest bid of $700,777, significantly under the engineer's estimate of $850,000. The board approved the bid, with members expressing confidence in McCabe Construction's previous work in the area.

Another important agenda item was the annual report for the MS4 stormwater permit, which is mandated by the EPA. Jared Holder highlighted the extensive public outreach efforts conducted by the La Crosse Waters Group, which engaged over 1,500 participants in various events. The report, which requires board approval, noted that while the city is compliant with most permit requirements, there are areas for improvement, particularly in documentation and staffing for compliance efforts. The board approved the report, acknowledging the challenges posed by increasing regulatory demands.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to infrastructure development and environmental compliance, with plans moving forward for both the road improvements and stormwater management initiatives.