City could end some home improvement fees

La Crosse officials in March will consider rescinding fees added in 2012 for residential roofing, siding and window replacement in the city.

Mayor Tim Kabat introduced the measure at Thursday's Common Council meeting, saying eliminating those permit requirements would free up city inspectors to focus on priorities such as code enforcement.

The council approved an extensive list of new fees during the 2012 budget process as a way to generate funds after significant cuts in state revenue.

The permit for roofing, siding or window replacement costs $31; a single permit and fee can cover all three types of work if done within 30 months.

But Kabat said Thursday he thinks the fees should have a purpose beyond simply raising revenue.

'I've not been shown a case that these permits are necessary to protect the public's health, safety and welfare,' the mayor said.

The 2014 budget estimated the three fees would bring in about $13,000, Kabat said.

Residents also told him during his mayoral campaign the fees send out the wrong message if the city wants to encourage raising property values by creating 'a disincentive to people making improvements,' the mayor said.

The measure now goes on to the March council cycle.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a 10-year use agreement with the 4000 Foundation for the railroad display in Copeland Park after adding an amendment that requires council approval to sell or move the locomotive and caboose from its corner site at Copeland Avenue and Clinton Street. The council had been poised Thurday to again refer the proposal, which has been delayed numerous times over more than a year, for another 30 days while negotiations continued over a provision the city could terminate the arrangement 'for convenience' within 60 days.The amendment, which also extends the advance notice of termination to a year, hopefully addresses those concerns 'that the city has no intention of selling or removing the train,' Kabat said. The agreement includes as well the group's request from 2008 that the city forgive the remaining $10,000 of a $30,000 loan it received in 1997, so those funds can be devoted to restoration and maintenance. David Novak, the only 4000 Foundation member at the meeting, said he could not comment until the group and its attorney can review the amended agreement.


• Granted the mayor the ability to authorize legal action if La Crosse Municipal Harbor operator Steve Mills doesn't remedy the numerous defaults on his lease. Mills, in the midst of his second 25-year lease that runs through 2027, has until Monday to resolve all his unpaid personal property taxes and water bills or risk losing the 185-slip marina on Isle la Plume; a host of other defaults have deadlines of March 7 and March 13 to cure.