[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6079603,"mediaKeyId","2955392-608d88138d1c477ed5ba5eec6539ef54","parentId",2955392,"title","Votes at a glance: Onalaska Common Council, April 8, 2025","audioSeconds",4312,"startMs",1077000,"endMs",5389000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2955392-608d88138d1c477ed5ba5eec6539ef54&start=1077&end=5389","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2955392-608d88138d1c477ed5ba5eec6539ef54/thumbnail_1077000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6079603/Onalaska/La-Crosse-County/Wisconsin/Votes-at-a-glance-Onalaska-Common-Council-April-8-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079603-4fb573b716abed798d4ce38cf19028be/orig.mp4?Expires=1770982875&Signature=G3DAA5nSq4FNjrXZWmEFLoJ18ahVVvXBKnA7cLLIhAZnhRceIm2QtiObJqnbzcm-INgxveEcDI3nZTrlfc-kjCnMxgRtZNBRvrJ~K5qAT0Al1Jfe2vv7aRtRVc27nMmG9PEewuKvk8RZ3lvykdbxFX22T2wznoNYoHN6e3DF0QmCfIJszyLhwMmCAa6vVGGS-Fqzq4qMjoTOzh2MigMYOzf0gX4g89DRTd80STNxuB9fnEUDX49Og-QUAT7SSBIeREEQSNiH2HfQ17w7JplQysb24kSC9RoucPOQOOBz0Xz9s5gfLLgdMahCSx8SZQfcThYC1bhyiG3FP0JesYjwlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Onalaska, WI","date","2025-04-09T13:21:06Z","article","Below are the formal actions taken at the April 8, 2025 Onalaska Common Council meeting. This list records the motion text, mover/second (when given), and the recorded vote.

- Grow Solar La Crosse partnership (agenda item: Grow Solar presentation)
• Motion: Approve participation in the Grow Solar La Crosse group‑buy as a promotional municipal partner.
• Mover: Alder Mike Milkey; Second: Alder Larry Jurasic.
• Vote: Unanimous (7‑0). Action recorded in meeting minutes.

- Consent agenda approval
• Motion: Approve consent agenda (all consent items as listed in packet).
• Mover: Alder Dan Stevens; Second: Alder Larry Jurasic.
• Vote: Unanimous (7‑0).

- Personnel policy updates (items E‑1 through E‑4 — removed from consent and considered)
• Motion: Approve policy updates E‑1 through E‑4 as outlined from personnel committee.
• Mover: Sean McAllister; Second: Dan Stevens (or as recorded).
• Vote: Unanimous (7‑0).

- Vouchers
• Motion: Approve vouchers in the amount of $4,602,477.00.
• Mover: Alder Sean McAllister; Second: Alder Diane Wolf.
• Vote: Unanimous (7‑0).

- Resolution 12‑22025 (equipment replacement budget amendment for pumper‑tender)
• Motion: Approve Resolution 12‑22025 to allocate additional equipment replacement funds so the full purchase price of $1,119,921 is authorized.
• Mover: Sean McAllister (motion made as described by staff); Second: Larry Jurasic.
• Vote: Unanimous (7‑0).

- Award of pumper‑tender bid
• Motion: Award the pumper‑tender apparatus bid to Reliant Fire Apparatus Inc. for $1,119,921.
• Mover: Alder Steven Knott; Second: Alder Dan Stevens.
• Vote: Unanimous (7‑0).

- Ordinance 18‑09‑2025 (neighborhood electric vehicles)
• Motion: Approve ordinance to remove neighborhood electric vehicle regulation and corresponding fee from code.
• Mover: Alder Steven Knott; Second: Alder Mike Milkey.
• Vote: Unanimous (7‑0).

- Ordinance 18‑12‑2025 (committee consolidation)
• Motion: Approve Ordinance 18‑12‑2025 as amended (chairpersons plural and two‑year chair term limit).
• Mover: Alder Steven Knott; Second: Alder Sean McAllister.
• Vote: Roll call — 5 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain (Alder Dan Stevens abstained).

- Ordinance 18‑13‑2025 (Board of Public Works membership change)
• Motion: Approve Ordinance 18‑13‑2025 to add a third council member to the Board of Public Works and include tie‑handling language; amendments adopted that the three council members be those not on the administration/finance committee and that no chair serve more than two consecutive terms.
• Mover: Alder Steven Knott; Second: Alder Larry Jurasic.
• Vote: Roll call — 5 yes, 1 no.
• Note: A separate amendment to permit the mayor to appoint the board chair and vice chair failed on a tie vote earlier in the discussion.

- Acceptance of Onalaska Fire Department 2024 annual report
• Motion: Accept the fire department 2024 annual report and place it on file.
• Mover: Alder Steven Knott; Second: Alder Diane Wolf.
• Vote: Unanimous (7‑0).

- Adjournment
• Motion: Adjourn.
• Mover: Alder Sean McAllister; Second: Alder Dan Stevens.
• Vote: Unanimous (7‑0).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Common Council - April 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of motions, ordinances, resolutions and other formal votes taken by the Onalaska Common Council on April 8, 2025, including vote tallies and key details.","taxTitle","Onalaska, La Crosse County, Wisconsin","taxId",72067,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6079608,"Council alters Board of Public Works membership; debate over mayor’s role ends in split votes",1409,2652000,4061000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2955392-608d88138d1c477ed5ba5eec6539ef54&start=2652&end=4061","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2955392-608d88138d1c477ed5ba5eec6539ef54/thumbnail_2652000.jpg","/articles/6079608/Onalaska/La-Crosse-County/Wisconsin/Council-alters-Board-of-Public-Works-membership-debate-over-mayors-role-ends-in-split-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079608-69216eb9c763687375af5fa71947929c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770982875&Signature=JZfxHLMZUbQdLZN5vUh5SP3MgKNEuEUdqOFLMPhJGG20SUj7242w6ApVyKR9NQvGzUl3BRv~sEfP0~qyKlD3IGgPE1YqD-2Hpwlt6vOjZCXaZyNlu-ki~cWlmbs0zo53SpZPhZyNIKACMB1Me5qPKkgHHJbfEAshpiNKYsbwt04pJ6bKMUu~2htVMZip30tQjh-4~0HtAZFfby-TjfoCA49Kh3CWBhDbBoGLA2LGWVKtFJouINH8ORjWOaw-l9YyN~qevq0sHdbjujdtdbvoCMXR2nK9xlXumg5ghdSZu~JwBu8O~jh3q6ByxZVHuaW8R-E1TtjlpcnpOSOGYS1miQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Onalaska Common Council approved Ordinance 18‑13‑2025 Tuesday to add an additional alderperson to the Board of Public Works and to add language about handling unbreakable ties. Councilors also debated — and split on — whether the mayor should appoint the board’s chair and vice chair.

City staff said the additional council seat is intended to better balance representation across city boards after the committee consolidations. The ordinance increases council representation on the board from two to three members and adds a tie‑breaking provision that would send matters to full council without a board recommendation if the board produces an unbreakable tie.

Councilor amendments were offered. The council unanimously approved an amendment requiring that the three council members on the board be the council members not serving on the newly consolidated administration/finance committee, and that no chairperson serve more than two consecutive terms. A separate amendment proposed by an alder that the mayor designate chair and vice chair from among council members on the board resulted in a tie vote and failed; the tie prompted a return to the original approach where the board selects its own chair at its first meeting. The ordinance, as amended, passed on a 5‑1 roll call vote.

After passage, the board of public works recommended awarding the pumper‑tender bid (covered separately in finance), which the council then approved. Councilors said they may revisit related appointment language as they continue to review committee and board structures.","The council approved an ordinance to add a third alder to the Board of Public Works and to address tie votes; an amendment to require those three be councilors not on the new administration/finance committee passed, while an amendment to let the mayor appoint board chairs failed on a tie vote.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6079613,"Council approves consolidation of administrative, judiciary and finance committees after debate and amendments",953,1698000,2651000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2955392-608d88138d1c477ed5ba5eec6539ef54&start=1698&end=2651","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2955392-608d88138d1c477ed5ba5eec6539ef54/thumbnail_1698000.jpg","/articles/6079613/Onalaska/La-Crosse-County/Wisconsin/Council-approves-consolidation-of-administrative-judiciary-and-finance-committees-after-debate-and-amendments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079613-ec4cfa2ac59b1ff48fbefe2825999ab1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770982875&Signature=SleON4F1mgwsCpeHbGsKa3O6BeQmWCQbeavTRhmq4HJR6zU10eysUjqlYE-VQMYar6zLhNZYQu9q3YnjsbjtTQWO~jtI0xvsCSAcZj1pz~OvS9fbyIgBpltRb5GQ7pC7582JdYp-RQ08Vy-oTnQs1XUM9P70VVwpPxgzTUvlKXfkdVFI6RSURaBLr9v6kEB6mErF1Wzl9wC9BoWweJLbrSg3c7V02obuRGpKlwuP5Xgdgqt~gLru40q4-h5ChhbrU5SqQ0nOFSZY2j8xHWgDP2YOxx9o-QGj5sbxmLNBiob43Eg3uQmmvC9PLMt~lgOPH1GbhKerjsbWnIpAGQuCfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Onalaska Common Council approved an ordinance Tuesday to consolidate its administrative, judiciary and finance committee functions into a single committee structure with two chairs — an administrative chair and a finance chair.

Ordinance 18‑12‑2025 passed after councilors debated the advantages and drawbacks of consolidation. Proponents said combining overlapping agendas would reduce awkward scheduling gaps and cut staff workload for committee preparation. Opponents warned the consolidated committee could produce very long meetings and potentially slow deliberation on complex items.

The council adopted an amendment to clarify two points: the committee chairpersons language was made plural to encompass chair and vice chair designations, and a limit was added stating that no council member shall serve more than two consecutive years as chairperson of the same standing committee. The final vote on the ordinance as amended passed 5‑0 with one abstention (Alder Dan Stevens abstained). Council members said the change is a recommendation intended to improve efficiency and staff workload rather than a structural change to all committees at this time.

City staff and the mayor said they will monitor committee function and may revisit other committee changes later. No immediate changes to meeting times were proposed; staff said the consolidation is procedural and intended to reduce duplicated administrative work and awkward gaps between consecutive meetings on the same night.","The council approved Ordinance 18‑12‑2025 to consolidate some standing committees into a single administrative/finance structure, adopting an amendment that limits consecutive chair terms and clarifies chair designation language.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6079618,"Onalaska approves increased equipment allocation and awards $1.12 million pumper‑tender; fire chief outlines rising call volume",2758,1363000,4121000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2955392-608d88138d1c477ed5ba5eec6539ef54&start=1363&end=4121","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2955392-608d88138d1c477ed5ba5eec6539ef54/thumbnail_1363000.jpg","/articles/6079618/Onalaska/La-Crosse-County/Wisconsin/Onalaska-approves-increased-equipment-allocation-and-awards-112-million-pumpertender-fire-chief-outlines-rising-call-volume","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079618-51e332b86c8b4a8d748dd056ac26eb29/orig.mp4?Expires=1770982875&Signature=AjdFADQJA~DfN0~zcyHnXeHILerN9AZYTHFAwRiyQ1GyP5Yg~-xsGrrK~bbGh1~wFkSWpyoznipmNyFvriqUabUIBD44C4N59dQbdHDOnrC6~0mUjidqTvBkuRZAoxqARtuJQTldTjhwKRugUGt-4czFXpJYkdV9KIszh6um-pxJaqZPb3K9ZkH2fGuM87Pyx7~gMowRnmubzsQn~pA4~IVIbWEYNj8MCCO8ZXDk-zXfcMElrBilTFFnCYzXSXm39AqeKy3lwGbkJBWSVgInwihb6h10PyXo-vyyFqW78qtSbPwp3HAqIFVGDHryO9kFZfVdfplJZY0huIKkbg8Ycw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Onalaska Common Council voted unanimously Tuesday to increase the 2025 equipment replacement allocation to cover the full purchase price of a pumper‑tender fire apparatus and to award the vehicle bid. The council also heard an informational update about a memorandum of understanding to share fire‑investigation resources with a neighboring department and received the Onalaska Fire Department’s annual report.

Councilors approved Resolution 12‑22025 to increase the equipment replacement budget for the 2025 pumper‑tender from the originally budgeted $500,000 to the full contract price of $1,119,921. The motion to approve the resolution was made on the floor and passed unanimously. Fire Department staff explained the purchase leaves a funding shortfall of $619,009.21 to be covered from the equipment replacement fund and noted a 100% performance bond option in the bid documents to protect the city while the truck is manufactured and delivered.

The council subsequently awarded the apparatus bid to Reliant Fire Apparatus Inc. in the amount of $1,119,921. That award passed on a separate motion and vote with no opposition.

Fire Department leadership also summarized a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the neighboring Holman Fire Department (presented for information only). Presenters said Wisconsin statute requires an investigation for any fire with more than $500 in loss; the MOU allows trained investigators from each department to assist the other, share equipment and software, and improves coverage when investigators are unavailable. The chief said the agreement is intended primarily as a personnel and cost‑savings measure; councilors asked clarifying questions about on‑scene investigation timing and securing scenes until investigators arrive.

Chiefs and staff also presented the department’s annual report for 2024, noting a fifth consecutive year of record call volume: 2,227 incidents in 2024, a 39% increase over five years. Staff highlighted more than 8,000 hours of training, 1,500 fire inspections with 836 violations noted and 742 corrected (an 88.7% correction rate), and continued internal hose and ladder testing. Mayor Kim Smith and councilors thanked staff for the report; the council moved to accept the report and place it on file.

Councilors discussed the budget fund balance and the need to rebuild the equipment replacement fund in coming years given large capital needs, including another fire apparatus anticipated in the near term. Presenters said permitting and other administrative items related to equipment acquisition and warranties were in order and that the city would use contractual protections in the purchase documents.","The council approved a budget amendment to fully fund a pumper‑tender purchase and awarded the bid to Reliant Fire Apparatus Inc. The fire chief also described a 39% five‑year rise in call volume and a recent memorandum of understanding on mutual fire‑investigator assistance with a neighboring department.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6079625,"Onalaska council unanimously approves partnership in countywide Grow Solar group buy",661,451000,1112000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2955392-608d88138d1c477ed5ba5eec6539ef54&start=451&end=1112","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2955392-608d88138d1c477ed5ba5eec6539ef54/thumbnail_451000.jpg","/articles/6079625/Onalaska/La-Crosse-County/Wisconsin/Onalaska-council-unanimously-approves-partnership-in-countywide-Grow-Solar-group-buy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6079625-320e46657e8a6433769f4c8a2307871d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770982875&Signature=IhmU4yhfsqUax8Fs--cJv-ZdDIp14k1iEG7DRwbtqoLRRoxDRwuJZfQ1nYmTH7yT66qBq2voahmwO6E8GWmWIpmQZvLsswPFVnx-rz8-NoFeXiA98EJWW1HHltRKNzogcu-m2r4NHjLcaWuWrJlUDKXRWcgsNr2d5VNbfGFq2Z37S-~68WdRKVKNQLb4xKrFRN702QQqbmsO80srlrayU2~1MgNvwug-agg1dczh5NbtqobPLv9a9qU3gOgQ8W07nOJlKDrx-z6GYwgWU20oVc6Z0YN98SNvcuo8LuW28D7XNJr2G8DMuY8mOXez3o0s-Mkt25z7UQUh76fWOmalbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Onalaska Common Council voted unanimously Tuesday to participate as a municipal partner in Grow Solar La Crosse, a countywide group‑buy program that aims to reduce the cost of residential solar through bulk purchasing and local education.

The council’s action, moved by Alder Mike Milkey and seconded by Alder Larry Jurasic, authorized Onalaska to serve chiefly as a promotional partner — sharing the program in city communications and, at the city’s option, offering a location for an educational event. The motion carried without discussion: “All those in favor…Aye,” Mayor Kim Smith said.

Grow Solar representatives and La Crosse County planner Dylan Constant told the council the program had previously run in the city of La Crosse and is being expanded countywide. Organizers said the program is administered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) with a local installer selected through procurement; the installer selection closed March 14 and the partner installer has already been chosen. County staff and MREA representatives said municipal involvement would be promotional only and that permitting and inspections would continue to be handled by each municipality individually.

Program organizers said the group‑buy includes free educational events (virtual and in‑person) and that pricing discounts can be unlocked as cumulative kilowatt participation increases. They also noted federal tax incentives remain available for homeowners this year that lower installed system costs by roughly 30 percent. City Administrator Rick Niemeyer said, if the council approves, he would serve as the primary city contact and coordinate with the clerk’s office or communications staff on any promotion requests.

The council made no financial commitment; presenters repeatedly said the partnership carries no direct cost to the city beyond a few hours of staff time. Council members asked whether permitting or additional municipal incentives would be required; Dylan Constant said permitting would remain the responsibility of each municipality and that La Crosse County is not offering financial incentives beyond outreach and information.

The vote formalized Onalaska’s role as a promotional partner in the Grow Solar La Crosse program.","The Onalaska Common Council voted unanimously to join Grow Solar La Crosse, a countywide solar group‑buy program that provides education, site assessments and discounted installations at no cost to the city beyond modest staff time.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Onalaska Common Council, April 8, 2025

Council alters Board of Public Works membership; debate over mayor’s role ends in split votes

Council approves consolidation of administrative, judiciary and finance committees after debate and amendments

Onalaska approves increased equipment allocation and awards $1.12 million pumper‑tender; fire chief outlines rising call volume

Onalaska council unanimously approves partnership in countywide Grow Solar group buy