CITY OF RIVER FALLS: 7/12/11 Council Minutes

CITY OF RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN

COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

July 12, 2011

Mayor Richards called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located in City Hall.

City Council Members Present: David Cronk, Bob Hughes, Randy Kusilek, Scott Morrissette, Jim Nordgren, David Reese

City Council Members Absent: Tom Caflisch

Staff Present: John Behling, City Attorney; Scot Simpson, City Administrator; Roger Leque, Police Chief; Carl Gaulke, Utility General Manager; Julie Bergstrom, Finance Director/Assistant City Administrator; Angel Smith, Management Analyst; Lu Ann Hecht, City Clerk

Others Present: Ethel Johnson; George LaFave; Rosanne Bump

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

June 28, 2011, Regular Meeting Minutes

MSC Morrissette/Nordgren move to approve minutes as submitted. Unanimous.

APPROVAL OF BILLS:

City – $521,178.06 Utility – $768,114.71

MSC Morrissette/Cronk move to approve the bills subject to the comptroller. Unanimous.

PUBLIC COMMENT, PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND

COMMUNICATIONS:

Kusilek thanked individuals involved in a picnic to welcome back the local National Guard armory. He thanked Tim Jennings, 1st Lt. Chris Cahak, Cpt. Dale Sack, 1st Sgt. Ryan Stockman, SFC Chris Vodvarka and Scott Morrissette for their assistance.

Kusilek also thanked the Chamber for their work that went into River Falls Days.

The Mayor read a proclamation recognizing Ethel Johnson and declaring July 18, 2011, Ethel Johnson Day in the City of River Falls.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Resolution Adopting Ward Plan for Pierce and St. Croix Counties in the City of River Falls -- Pulled by Nordgren

Resolution No. 5485 - Approving Request for Street Closing and City assistance for Wishes & More Car Show October 1, 2011

MSC Nordgren/Cronk move to approve remainder of Consent Agenda. Unanimous.

Resolution No. 5486 - Adopting Ward Plan for Pierce and St. Croix Counties in the City of River Falls

Nordgren had questions on what happens with the plan once adopted. Simpson shared information on the process. He said usually once the City establishes the Wards, the State and Federal congressional districts use the Wards as they are established. He said what is being proposed is that the State is no longer held to that and that they can establish new districts. Simpson went over the proposed plan showing maps with boundaries.

Nordgren asked about the process after the City makes its plan. Hecht said the plan goes to the County and then State. She said the ordinance must be passed within 60 days. Hughes asked if the polling locations would stay the same. Simpson said he didn’t know, but they are researching the most efficient way to staff elections and what locations are the most convenient for people. Nordgren asked about the process for making changes for districts versus at large. Hughes said he liked the way River Falls was set up with a combination of districts and at large.

MSC Nordgren/Cronk move to approve resolution. Unanimous.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

Resolution No. 5487 Approving 2011-2013 Work Plan

MSC Cronk/Morrissette move to approve resolution. Unanimous.

REPORTS:

City Administrator’s Report

Kusilek asked the highway construction projects for municipalities. Simpson said the provision applies if the City would hire the County to do roadwork. He talked about the county having to enter into a competitive bidding process. He said there were also dollar thresholds applied to the work. Simpson explained in further detail.

Reese wanted the City and Council to work together with the community and Chamber on having people refrain from putting blankets out too early for the River Falls Days Parade.

Motion by Cronk at 7:11 p.m. to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,

Kristi McKahan, Deputy City Clerk (Pub. 08/04/11) WNAXLP

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