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City, police union sign six-year contract

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On Tuesday night, Jan. 7, the Prairie du Chien Common Council approved a historic contract with its local police union. The city and union have an agreement that will be six years in length, from 2017 through 2022—the longest contract, in terms of years covered, ever agreed to by both entities.

The contract calls for a 2 percent annual increase in salaries for the police department in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, and 2.5 percent increases in 2021 and 2022. The contract also raises the minimum salaries for future officers who are hired.

“Having labor peace with our police department into the next decade is an important and landmark event for the city,” City Administrator Aaron Kramer said. “We believe this contract underscores our support and faith in our local officers, who have provided exemplary, professional dedication to protecting the residents and business of the city. I believe the agreement that was approved by the council will also increase the attractiveness of joining our force for future qualified officers who are considering a career with the Prairie du Chien Police Department, and will be committed to continuing the tradition of public service we currently enjoy.”

“We have entered unprecedented times in police recruiting and departments all over the state struggle to find qualified candidates,” Sergeant Kyle Teynor said. “The city and union has made sure Prairie du Chien is an attractive option when good people want to serve the public. The commitment by the city of Prairie du Chien allows us to attract qualified candidates who will move our department forward into the next decade.”

Room tax sets record
Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Robert Moses presented the common council a report of the room tax usage to the council and noted that room tax revenue in 2016 set a record for the seventh consecutive year. In 2015, $299,684 was collected. With only the first three quarters available, 2016 has already surpassed that amount with $303,062. The fourth quarter totals have yet to be reported. Moses provided the council an update on how the room tax is spent to promote the Prairie du Chien area through a number of programs, including newspaper, radio and television advertising.

Moses also updated the council on the progress of the proposed addition to the Tourism Information Center, and said he is optimistic that ground will be broken later this year. He said the Chamber has raised $130,000 of the estimated $160,000 needed to construct the addition. No formal action taken.

City personnel promoted
Dan Titlbach was appointed street superintendent at a pay rate of $24.50 per hour for a probationary period of six months, with a pay rate of $25 following that.

Interim Zoning Administrator Garth Frable will receive a $130 stipend for January 2017 gas and travel expenses; a $2 per hour increase on his base pay, retroactive to his appointment as interim zoning administrator (Dec. 20) until the appointment of a permanent zoning administrator; and $100 per month for gas and travel expenses.

Release of archaeology
In 1985, Bob Fay, an archaeologist who has done work in the Prairie du Chien area in the past and who is now in the process of retiring, did a survey of the proposed public proposed public boat landing permit area along the east channel of the Mississippi River on St. Feriole Island. He is possession of some artifacts from that work, which was done on city property.

Upon city staff’s recommendation, the council voted to release the items to the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

The next council meeting will take place Tuesday, Feb. 28, due to the spring primary election on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

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