DRAFT TOWN OF RIVER FALLS 2008 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, April 8, 2008; River Falls Town Hall
The 2008 annual meeting was called to order at 7:01 P.M. by Chair, Diana Smith. There were approximately 26 town residents present. Diana reviewed the state statutes which direct the procedures and powers of an annual town meeting.
Recognition of outgoing committee members Mike Elling and Peter Stern was provided. Both Elling and Stern have asked to step down from the town Planning Committee. Diana also recognized and thanked town staff members, fellow elected officials and their family members stating they are all instrumental in helping to carry out the town workload and goals.
Roy Lund moved to approve the 2007 Annual Meeting minutes. Jerome Rodewald seconded. Minutes approved.
Treasurer, Caroline Hamilton, and Clerk, Ruth Stern provided the 2007 income and expenditure reports. The town ended the year 2007 with $162,149.84 in funds held in various accounts.
Highway Supervisor, Brian Weber provided a roads report. It is hoped that Forestville and Morton Corner Roads can be addressed this year, however oil prices for roadwork purposes have taken a 25% jump in price which may curtail some of the planned roadwork. It was noted that the patching trailer that was purchased by the town in 2007 has been a good investment given the large increases in costs to maintain roads.
Town Board Supervisor, Tom Sitz provided an overview on state levy limits, and increases in fire, ambulance and road maintenance costs. He reported that the town has taken out a $50,000 one year loan at a 4% interest rate with the Wisconsin Trust Fund Loan Program. The money will be used for road maintenance purposes.
Zoning Administrator, Jerome Rodewald, reported that there were 31 building permits issued in 2007 generating $3987.26 of building permit fees and representing construction project values of $1,040,200. This is about half the number of permits normally issued in a year, reflecting the downturn in the housing market.
Jerome also distributed Judge Wing’s summary judgment in relation to Jim Esler and Scott Bjork’s complaints regarding the administration of the town’s zoning ordinances. Wing ruled that Esler/Bjork failed to demonstrate their claims against the town.
Michele DeLong-Reiter, Recycling Center Administrator, handed out a written report and answered questions on the recycling program. The recycling center made $3825.75 in profit in 2007 which will be used for future improvements at the center. The town will sponsor roadside clean-up days on April 19th and 26th. DeLong-Reiter explained that the town still struggles with the problems of illegal dumping and this cost takes away from other programs that could potentially be offered by the recycling department.
Parks & Recreation Committee Chairman, Dennis Zielski provided an overview of where all of the town parks properties were located and the unique features of each property. He reported that Anderson and Karras Parks will be developed to the extent that there is funding available. All town parks have been marked with signs.
Dennis also reported on the Safe Routes to School grant applications that were recently completed in conjunction with the City of River Falls. These applications request federal funding for the purpose of developing walking/biking trails for children to safely travel to and from community schools.
Diana reported that Pierce County is working on phase three of their comprehensive planning process and that town resident, Fran Stark, is a member of the Pierce County Comprehensive Planning Committee. Meetings are currently being held at several locations throughout the county (April 29th at the River Falls Town Hall) for public input into the county planning process.
Diana reported on behalf of LeRoy Kusilek who serves as the town’s animal control officer. The town is currently working with the Woodbury Humane Society for stray animal housing needs and services.
LeRoy also serves as the town’s representative to the Rural Fire Association. There were seventeen fire calls made in the Town of River Falls in 2007. The city is currently studying the need for future fire halls and locations in an effort to keep their ISO ratings down for insurance purposes.
Roy Lund, chair of the town’s Land Use Ad Hoc Committee, provided an overview of the committee’s work on a draft town Farmland Preservation Plan.
Roy Lund moved that Annual Meeting Resolution #2008-1 be approved which establishes a plan to formally number the town board member positions. Ed Hanson seconded. Motion carried on a voice vote with no one objecting to passage of the resolution.
Jerome Rodewald suggested that the town board include the cost of insulating the town hall roof in the 2009 budget. This would cost approximately $1100 - $1500 according to estimates that were recently obtained. Rodewald stated this would be in line with the town’s goals of encouraging recycling, economizing, and requiring those that are building or remodeling to insulate their own homes.
Maureen Ash moved to adjourn the meeting. Marcella Rodewald seconded. Meeting adjourned at 8:37 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Stern/Clerk