Former police chief officially accepts administrator role

By Correne Martin

The interim part of Chad Abram’s title no longer needs to precede the city administrator label. Abram, who’s served in that capacity since Oct. 17, 2017, while also holding his former role as police chief for the city of Prairie du Chien, was officially named administrator after closed session of Tuesday night’s common council meeting. 

Abram and the council agreed to a contract, effective Jan. 1, 2019. According to the city budget for next year, which was presented at a special Dec. 11 budget hearing meeting, the city has allocated wages of $103,768.62 for the position for 2019. The city has also budgeted $2,000 toward 2019 city administrator education.

The police chief vacancy has resulted in an internal posting of the job, and a new chief could be determined in the coming weeks. Abram said there are a number of candidates, currently employed with the police department, who would make great leaders there. 

Abram stepped into Prairie du Chien’s police chief role in June 2010, from the sergeant position. According to Courier Press archives, he took over for Michael King, who was relieved from duties upon investigation of missing funds.

Fourth Street reconstruction in spring

Looking ahead to the spring of 2019, the council took the first step Tuesday night in bidding out a reconstruction project for Fourth Street, from Blackhawk Avenue to Brisbois Street. Fourth Street is one of the most traveled on St. Feriole Island.

“We got a grant for the Villa Louis boat landing project, so we have money left over,” Abram explained. “With [Fourth Street] being a gateway to the Memorial Gardens, Blues Fest, Oktoberfest, the Rendezvous, etc., we felt it was time the city should do something.” He noted, city personnel may be able to perform some of the work themselves and possibly use leftover fill from the former National Decorated Metals property (being used for the boat landing parking). 

Abram stated this project should start in the spring. 

Gates is utility director

In addition to Abram’s contract, further personnel issues were considered by the council Tuesday. Nineteen-year city water superintendent Larry Gates was promoted permanently to utility director, over both the water and wastewater departments. He has led the water department while also serving as interim utility director since wastewater superintendent Glen Goodrich retired a year ago.

Beneath Gates, the city’s lead water operator is Bill Rodenkirch, and the wastewater operator in charge is Todd Whyte. Both have worked for the city for years.

Longevity pay reinstated

The council approved creating a section in city ordinance once again for longevity employee benefits. Longevity was once recognized by the city of Prairie du Chien, but ceased in 2010. Now, it’s been budgeted to return to certain employees’ paychecks in 2019. 

“When I took over as interim city administrator, one of the first areas I looked at was personnel. I sat down with representatives from all the departments and the consensus seemed to be that they wanted longevity recognition,” Abram shared, adding that the belief is, the city can afford to show this appreciation to its loyal staff.

The renewed section allows for a little monthly incentive for all city employees, not covered under the union contract, who have worked at least three years. The benefit maxes out after 20 years, he said. 

Plus, this coming year, the city will begin to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day and each employee will be paid for an extra floating holiday of their choosing.

Historic preservation project no cost to city

The Wisconsin Historical Society gave a presentation Tuesday night during the council meeting. The organization has chosen to fund and conduct an intensive survey identifying and documenting important historic properties in Prairie du Chien in 2019. The society believes these properties may benefit from the economic and technical assistance provided through its historic preservation program. 

According to the WHS, “the information from the survey will aid property owners, promote economic development and reinvestment, support historic tourism and provide the city with information to assist future planning for the preservation of these irreplaceable resources.”

Prior to Tuesday’s council meeting, a small, informal discussion occurred between representatives from WHS and Prairie du Chien organizations interested in historic preservation. This was planned to help stakeholders understand the process of activities such as archival research, field surveying and mapping, property evaluations, etc. It was also helpful to the local entities who may be able to assist with the project. 

Gail Klein, of UW-Milwaukee Cultural Resource Management, will manage the survey.

Other business

The council approved application for a grant to the Department of Transportation that could bring in $59,200 toward two Coulee Cab minivans. 

The council showed its support for School Choice Week by passing a resolution in recognition of the observance.