La Crosse city council group begins discussion over adding city administrator

A new study group began its work Wednesday over whether the city of La Crosse should hire an administrator.

Back in October, the council voted to put off a vote to create an administrator position until May, which comes after the election where half the council and the mayor are on the ballot.

The group is made up of city council members Larry Sleznikow, Mac Kiel, Barb Janssen, Mark Neumann and Erin Goggin. Sleznikow was chosen to chair the study panel.

One thing being planned is a public survey over hiring an administrator.

Sleznikow said city department heads will be contacted first, before public comments are gathered.

The committee will seek out opinions on “what they think the benefit would be, perhaps some drawbacks or concerns, and it was decided to reach out to department heads, to hopefully meet with them in person,” Sleznikow added.

The council meets at 6 p.m. Thursday. On that agenda, current rules for off-street parking lots in La Crosse is up for discussion.

On Tuesday, people spoke at a public hearing on how much parking space is needed in certain areas of La Crosse. Critics of the current parking regulations suggest that some of the off-street lots could be better used for new housing.