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City personnel director
What we knew: Wendy Oestreich was appointed interim head of the La Crosse Human Resources Department after longtime director Jim Geissner retired in March. She has spent nine years with the city’s personnel department after a decade in human resources in the private sector.
What’s new: The La Crosse Common Council on Thursday confirmed Oestreich as human resources director.
What’s next: Oestreich’s appointment will apply retroactively to Sept. 1, with a $76,206 annual salary.
City fines
What we knew: Council members Doug Farmer and Dorothy Lenard introduced a measure to raise fines on more than two dozen violations to bring them in line with similar-size communities. If the updated penalties are approved, many would increase by 50 percent to 100 percent.
What’s new: The La Crosse Common Council delayed adjusting the forfeiture levels for parking offenses, but passed the proposed higher penalties for other violations such as public urination and trespassing, both of which will rise from $96 to $190.50.
What’s next: The council will review fines for parking offenses in November. The other increased fines will take effect sometime later this month.
La Crosse jail addition
What we knew: La Crosse County is seeking bids on the proposed $29 million La Crosse County Jail expansion. County Administrator Steve O’Malley said in August he feared a shortage of interested bidders, involved in other large government projects, could drive up costs.
What’s new: O’Malley told the county board’s Executive Committee on Wednesday that about 50 firms have shown interest in bidding on all or part of the project. Many firms asked for more project details, so the county will put out an addendum and extend the time to prepare bids.
What’s next: The county has postponed opening bids from late this month to Oct. 2. The Law Enforcement Center Construction Committee is expected to take action on the bids at a special meeting Oct. 15. The county board will get its first look Oct. 16 and should take final action at a special meeting Oct. 20, O’Malley said.
EMS commission
What we knew: Steve Doyle, La Crosse County Board chairman, has proposed forming a commission to oversee the county’s Emergency Medical Services system. The commission would decide the future growth of ambulance operations within the county, along with dispatch and first responders, Doyle said. La Crosse Mayor Mark Johnsrud in late August pulled his proposal for a joint commission that would have had a different make-up and no say over future ambulance service.
What’s new: The county board’s Executive Committee approved Doyle’s measure Wednesday.
What’s next: Doyle’s proposal will be introduced to the county board next week and acted on in October. Doyle said county leaders will continue to work with the city on the proposal, and the measure could be delayed to allow more time to find a proposal acceptable to all involved.
