CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Brad Foss called a regular meeting of the City of St. Croix Falls Common Council to order on Monday, October 8, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Roll call: Councilpersons Darrell Anderson, Brian Blesi, and Arnie Carlson were present, Lori Erickson was absent. Also present: Administrator Ed Emerson, Clerk Bonita Leggitt, Treasurer Gail Bibeau, Fire Chief Elect Wade Somers, Jeff Nussbaum of Cedar Corp, the public and the press. All joined in the salute to the flag.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Darrell Anderson moved to approve the Minutes of the September 24, 2007 Regular Council Meeting, second by Arnie Carlson, voice vote, motion passed.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Fire Chief Elect Wade Somers presented the September 2007 Fire Department Report.

The September 2007 Police Dept Report was provided for Councils’ information.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

Arnie Carlson: there was a meeting last week with Army Corp of Engineers, DNR, MSA, Ayres, and City Staff regarding the WWTP, Federal Budget has not been approved yet so funding for our project is unsure, site is currently being evaluated for expansion. DNR would like to see us join a regional WWTP Facility with Dresser and Osceola. The DNR is concerned that we will out grow capacity again in 20 to 40 years and recommends that City acquire neighboring properties.

Mayor Foss: Joint Planning Board met last week, went over a power point presentation on the history and pros and cons of a Boundary Agreement.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

Brian Blesi: another invoice for $5,000 from Church Street Assoc, and we still have seen nothing.

General Fund $86,665.71, Library Fund $2,779.51, Park & Recreation Fund $911.92, Debt Service $38,722.50, Water Fund $5,320.06, Sewer Fund $6,293.56

Brian Blesi moved to approve claims less the payment to Church Street, second by Arnie Carlson, roll call vote, 3 ayes, 1 absent, motion passed.

OLD BUSINESS

Update on Louisiana Street Project

Jeff Nussbaun: storm and sewer lines have been televised and reviewed, some areas need repair, street should be paved by end of week, substantial completion date needs to be amended to reflect delay due to waiting for DNR permit last spring and to change orders that were added, resulting in an amended substantial completion date of Sept 28^th, but the final completion date would remain Oct 12. There is a one year warranty on workmanship from date of final payment.

NEW BUSINESS

2008 City Budget Presentation and Authorization for Publication and Setting Date for Public Hearing

City Auditor Steve Scheidler reviewed the proposed 2008 Budget, proposed levy is 7.27% ($59,138) higher than last year, assessed values are up 7.3% due to new construction, therefore the City’s mill rate should remain the same as last year. The Public Hearing for the 2008 Budget will be at the regular Council Meeting on November 12^th at 7 pm.

Consider Tornado Warning Siren Policy

Currently the warning siren is sounded for tornados and severe thunderstorms when storm is sighted. It was discussed if siren should be sounded for tornados only, that frequent use could lead to desensitization. It was decided to leave the policy as is, that is best to be forewarned.

Consider Cedar Corp Task Order for New Library Site Asbestos Removal & Condominium Plat

The purchase of the Holiday Foods building will close on Thursday, will then need to proceed with asbestos removal. Archer has submitted a bid for clean up. Cedar Corp would assist in review of clean up proposal for a fee not to exceed $400 and prepare a condominium plat for the building for a cost not to exceed $3,500. Councilman Brian Blesi questioned if bid for removing asbestos could have removal of light fixtures and mercury added, may be more cost effective to do all at once. Jeff Nussbaum will talk to environmentalist at Cedar about costs and additional clean up.

Darrell Anderson moved to approve Task Order authorizing Cedar Corp to review clean up bid and prepare Condo Plat for a fee not to exceed $3,900, second by Brian Blesi, roll call vote, 3 ayes, 1 absent, motion passed.

Consider Closing Mood Road for Halloween Celebration

Mayor Foss has spoke to residents on Moody Rd and recommends that Moody Rd be closed to all but foot traffic from 4pm to 8pm on Halloween. Barricades can be placed at intersections.

Darrell Anderson moved to close Moody Rd for Halloween, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, motion passed.

Discuss Street Maintenance Issues: Countryside Drive Neighborhood

Residents of Valley View Estates have requested that the streets in Valley View have pot holes and two other areas patched by the City. The streets in Valley View Estates were not constructed to City specifications, it was noted that the big plow trucks would tear up the streets, Public Works does apply some salt to the hill during icy conditions. The residents will continue to take care of plowing of those streets. It was the consensus of the Council to have the street department patch the potholes in the streets of Valley View Estates.

Consider Waiving Impact Fees for New Home Replacement at 602 Maple Dr

Teresa Lunsman owns a home at 602 Maple Dr, she wants to tear down the existing home and construct a new home. There is no sewer service available to the property. Teresa Lunsman requests that the impact fees imposed upon new development be waived for this project, there would be no impact to city infrastructure as this is replacing an existing single home with a single home.

Arnie Carlson moved to waive impact fees for 602 Maple Dr, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Brian Blesi: have received calls on hunting ban in Simonson Woods and Zilmer Park area, it was not the intent to ban hunting in Zilmer Park.

ADJOURNMENT

Darrell Anderson moved to adjourn, second by Arnie Carlson, voice vote, motion passed. 9:25 pm.

Brad Foss, Mayor Bonita Leggitt, City Clerk