Alcohol panel - Seek funding for coordinator

La Crosse's Alcohol Oversight Committee wants the city to pursue grant money for a an alcohol policy coordinator similar to the position in Madison.

The committee voted unanimously Wednesday to introduce a proposal that would authorize the city's grant writer to seek the funding.

If the three higher education institutions in the city each contribute about $10,000 per year, grant funds might cover the rest of the position, said Scott Reber, the city's grant writer.

Commitments by the institutions would show community support as well -- a key component to obtaining grants, he said.

"It could only help to have someone full time if they could have this committee to back him up," said committee vice chairwoman Dorothy Lenard.

"There are a lot of groups trying to work on this issue, but they do not know what the others are doing," said La Crosse police Officer Drew Gavrilos, university liaison.

Lenard and Jacie Gamroth, Common Council members who are on the committee, plan to introduce the proposal at a special Jan. 25 council meeting on the city's alcohol issues, for consideration in February.

The committee also considered creating a Gold Star Server certificate for establishments that meet standards set by the committee. These could include getting more training for staff, providing more supervision and making snacks available to patrons, Gavrilos said.

Jeff Kramer, owner of Kramer's Bar & Grill, said at the meeting he would take the idea to the La Crosse City/County Tavern League.

The police department's bartender training has been popular, Gavrilos said. Three classes were held recently and more will be scheduled in 2007.

The class, which covers topics such as how to spot fake IDs, the law regarding serving intoxicated people and the sober server ordinance, could be taken to individual establishments, he said.

The committee scheduled three meetings in January to prepare a presentation on its work and goals for the Jan. 25 special council meeting.