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PdC council debates COVID-19 control in the city

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By Correne Martin

 

The Prairie du Chien Common Council adopted a COVID-19 prevention and control resolution establishing expectations for city-owned property and those using it or participating in city programs. However, strict enforcement of this new standard of care is not part of the picture at this time. 

The resolution passed during a regular council meeting Tuesday night. Language about enforcement was stricken at the last minute. 

Approved through July 7, when the council will revisit it and consider changes that may arise due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, the resolution addresses small-scale use involving 100 people or less. It essentially asks citizens or visitors gathering for formal or casual activities, be it public or private, to keep the number of people below that threshold. 

“We are setting an example we’re hoping those in our community will follow,” explained City Attorney Lara Czajkowski Higgins. 

The resolution also encourages COVID-19 health and safety guidelines in line with state and national standards, such as observing a 6-foot social distance from others, proper hygiene, etc. 

Prior to approval, Chief of Police Kyle Teynor explained that the most current information he’s received from the Wisconsin Attorney General’s Office has directed him, and therefore his department, not to detain or arrest anyone for not abiding by COVID-19-related regulations at this time. However, Czajkowski Higgins advised the council that she has documents from her state legal advisers that would recommend enforcement at the local level. 

“They’re saying we may regulate this to keep people safe,” she stated, noting that the city could ask people to comply or jeopardize their rights to use the property in the future. She also shared that the city could ask users of certain city property to sign a waiver assuring capacity, and that the resolution could require gatherings above a certain number to come before the council for approval. 

Yet, these were the proposed regulations left out of the approved resolution Tuesday night. The council approved the measure, 7-1, not including the enforcement provisions. Alderwoman Kelssi Copus voted against. 

Other business

•Also Tuesday night, the council adopted a three-year statement of intentions for the harbor in Prairie du Chien. According to City Planner Garth Frable, the SOI will be a feather in the city’s cap as it applies for harbor grants. Within the statement, the city prioritizes a rail yard on the north end of St. Feriole Island at the harbor, which, Frable said, “would hopefully alleviate trains from backing up on the island.” Second, the city would like to upgrade the harbor access road, including 146 feet of street replacement, aiding in further separation of truck traffic from regular traffic. 

•The city has been allotted about $95,000 reimbursement funds, to help offset costs incurred due to COVID-19. Though, currently, administration is waiting to hear which areas of city government the funds can be used toward.

•The council gave Parks and Recreation Director Mike Ulrich its support to further explore and bring back more information about a concept that would put three primitive cabins on current campsites at LaRiviere Park. This is through an organization called Recreation Resource Management. 

“They wish to partner with us to provide the cabins at no cost,” Ulrich stated. 

Among the other details he shared with the council, Ulrich said, a contract would look to include a 17-year revenue sharing agreement. 

“They would come look at the market, see what they would charge, and then we’d know what we would make,” he said. 

The cabins would be very rustic with little to no amenities and, according to Czajkowski Higgins, would have to comply with the original Dan LaRiviere will, which helps govern the park. 

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