By Steve Van Kooten

The Prairie du Chien Common Council blitzed through a slim agenda during their Oct. 7 meeting.

The council followed two recommendations made by the city’s Finance Committee and Public Works Committee regarding fee increases for the airport and boat landings, respectively.

A two-percent increase to the airport hangar lease will take effect next year, which is the maximum allowed by the current lease used by the city.

To change the fees for the city’s boating docks, the council had to approve an ordinance repealing and recreating a section of the city’s municipal code.

“The current ordinance is very vague,” said Riebe. “This cleans it up so police and public works can monitor that.”

The ordinance changed the parking fees at the boat landings to $15 for primary residents per year, $30 for non-residents per year and a daily fee of $7. The change affects landings at St. Feriole, Villa Louis and the Campion Boat Landing.

Riebe added that the new ordinance explicitly details the fees and penalties for anyone using the boat landings.

The ordinance also more clearly defines who qualifies as a “primary resident.”

“There’s been a lot of discussion over the years of, ‘I pay taxes in the city but live somewhere else.’ This is well defined. If your primary residence is not within the corporate limits of Prairie du Chien, you will pay the $30 a year, non-residential fee.”

According to the paperwork supplied by the city, the Prairie du Chien Police and Public Works Department will designate parking that is to be used by motor vehicles only, vehicles and trailers, handicap parking and areas where parking is prohibited. Proper signage, markings and “other appropriate means” will be used to inform the public.

The new fees will be utilized once the city publishes the announcement in the newspaper, as required by law.

In attendance were alderpersons Nick Crary, Vicki Waller, Bob Granzow, Nate Bremmer, Jaaren Riebe, Mark Bowar and Andy Ringgold. Police Chief Kyle Teynor, City Planner Nate Gilberts, Mayor David Hemmer and Abram were also present. The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21.

Other business

• Approved permits for the Turkey Trot on Nov. 27 and the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Parade on Dec. 5.

• According to Abram, the city is still waiting for the USDA to return the design plans for the Public Safety Building. Due to the government shutdown, there is no timetable for the plans to be given back to the city.

• Abram reiterated that Pizza Ranch is “tentatively” planning to open to the public on Nov. 3.

• The citywide Fall Cleanup starts on Monday, Oct. 13, with Town and Country coming through on Oct. 25. “Don’t be surprised if you see some garbage sitting out, but it’s because Town and Country won’t be coming through until then,” Abram said.