La Crosse Park Board approves storage building, 3% Pettibone slip increase and new La Crosse Queen lease

LA CROSSE, Wis. — The Board of Park Commissioners on Oct. 16 approved a set of routine park items, including a small storage building at Forest Hills, a 3% across‑the‑board increase in Pettibone Boat Club slip fees for 2026, final plan approval for Veterans Freedom Veil, and a new 10‑year lease with options for the La Crosse Queen.

At the start of the meeting the board voted to approve minutes from its prior meeting; the motion passed with one abstention. The board then considered a site plan for a small storage building at Forest Hills. David Clements of 2026 Barnaby Road in the city of La Crosse said the structure would be a "storage unit ... which would hold all the tables and chairs and other outdoor equipment" purchased for the new pavilion and that he was present to answer questions. Commissioners asked whether golf equipment would be stored there and were told the facility is intended primarily for tables, chairs and portable event equipment. Commissioner Littlejohn moved to approve the site plan and Commissioner Cleary seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

The board next reviewed Pettibone Boat Club’s lease‑required fee schedule for 2026. Jared, a staff member, told the board, "The fee list in front of you will show an across‑the‑board 3% increase for slip fees at the boat club." Commissioners discussed whether the club’s rates remained below market; staff said the lease uses a fair‑market approach and that the club’s rates were competitive with other marinas. Commissioner Cleary moved to approve the 2026 slip fee schedule; Commissioner Littlejohn seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

The board approved the final plan for Veterans Freedom Veil after staff presented an aerial map and answered questions. Commissioner Olsen moved to approve the final plan and Commissioner Alberts seconded; the board voted unanimously.

For the La Crosse Queen lease, staff said the new agreement would begin in 2026 as a 10‑year lease with two 5‑year extension options. The transcript records an initial revenue share phrased as "2 and a 5%" of gross revenue for the first 10 years, with increases to 3% and then 3.5% in later terms; the lease also includes a stated minimum annual payment of $12,000. Staff described the La Crosse Queen as "a great partnership with us." Commissioners asked about a possible administrative typo in the draft lease and whether the operator might one day relocate to a future Riverpointe site; staff said the lease includes a 180‑day out clause for either party.

All formal approvals on the agenda passed, and the chair thanked volunteers before adjourning the meeting.