Town: No need yet for class B highway

Talk about it

The town of River Falls has been considering a request from the town of Kinnickinnic to make some roads that span both towns Class B highways.

At last week’s meeting the River Falls board discussed making the River Falls portion of Saddle Club, as well as Cottonwood, Class B.

Town Chairwoman Diana Smith is concerned about what will happen if Kinnickinnic makes its portion of Saddle Club Class B.

“If they do it and we don’t, it would be bad because trucks would need to turn around and drive over our road twice,” Smith said. “If they (Kinnickinnic) choose to do it, we should do it too.”

She also pointed out that it “wouldn’t really be a drastic change for us” and added: “If Saddle Club becomes Class B, we will also need to do Cottonwood, because we would just be moving the traffic over.”

Regarding local traffic, Smith clarified, “The people that live on these roads would be exempt. We can’t stop trucks that service those people, only the thru-traffic.”

Town Supervisor Brad Mogen disagreed with the whole idea of making any of the roads Class B highways.

“It seems irrational to make them go all the way around,” Mogen said.

Fellow Supervisor Tom Sitz agreed: “It would be a big inconvenience.”

Smith went further by saying, “We don’t see the traffic issues.”

The Town Board decided not to convert any town roads to highway designation. It will ask Kinnickinnic not to convert either.

Supervisors also decided to send a resolution to Gov. Scott Walker about his proposed budget. Borrowing a resolution from the Town of Dunn, the board tailored a resolution to express dissatisfaction.

Mogen wanted to make sure that the governor knew, “The tools that are being given to ease the pain do not fit us, and the formulas used hurt us disproportionably.”

He went on: “Because the town does not have any employees under a collective bargaining agreement, we will not see a financial benefit to affront the reduction in state aid.”

Smith requested that something be done immediately, noting, “The only way to meet our current needs is to borrow.”

A resolution voicing the board’s disapproval will be sent to the offices of state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf and the governor. Sitz cast the lone dissenting vote. He also said he will not sign the resolution.

With the growing trend of alternative energy, the Town Board addressed the topic of wind towers. A moratorium has been proposed that would delay any building of wind towers until the state establishes guidelines.

Town attorney Bob Loberg was against a moratorium since Pierce County has already has an ordinance in place.

Town Zoning Administrator Jerome Rodewald agreed saying, “Any application that came to the Town Board would be held against the county requirements. If we don’t have an ordinance we can use the county’s.”

Sitz felt this was a moot point since the lack of wind in the town makes building such a tower non-economical.

The board decided to forego a wind tower moratorium and use the county’s law if necessary.

After traveling the town roads on April 1, the board prioritized road upkeep projects. The board gave precedence to 0.8 miles of Birch Cliff Drive.

After assessing how much money is remaining after the Birch Cliff project, it will look at which of the following road repairs fit into the budget: Sunrise/Pleasant Run, Scenic View and Cottonwood.

The board approved interviewing two applicants for part-time positions at the town recycling center. If both applicants interview well, the town is planning on hiring both at $7.50/hr.

“If they prove themselves after three months, they could receive more,” Smith said.

A dwelling site request by Paul and Colleen Belland, N6666 750th St. was presented to the board. The land now has a pole shed on it.

According to Smith, the Belland’s request meets all requirements, including water and sewer. Approval was given for the house.

Smith also received a call from Heartland Montessori School asking to withdraw its liquor-license application for a May 14 spring fundraiser. The school will be refunded its application fee.

The board reminded town residents that the Pierce County Clean Sweep is Saturday, April 16.

Residents may drop off hazardous waste items between 8 a.m. and noon at Pierce County MRF/Recycling Center at 707 N. Maple St. in Ellsworth.

More information is available at www.co.pierce.wi.us.

Tags: town of river falls, government, kinnickinnic, wisconsin