CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Brad Foss called a regular meeting of the City of St. Croix Falls Common Council to order on Monday, December 17, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Roll call: Councilpersons Darrell Anderson, Brian Blesi, Lori Erickson and Arnie Carlson were present. Also present: Administrator Ed Emerson, Clerk Bonita Leggitt, Attorney Brian Nodolf, the public and the press. All joined in the salute to the flag.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Lori Erickson moved to approve the Minutes of the November 26, 2007 Regular Council Meeting, second by Darrell Anderson, voice vote, motion passed.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

Arnie Carlson: Joint Planning Committee met and discussed frontage and backage roads. Grants are available to aid with costs of planning and implementing Boundary Agreement, the Town and City would share remaining cost.

Darrell Anderson: Revolving Loan Fund has $5,000 remaining in Fund and has 2 applicants, will be offering $5,000 to one of the applicants.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

General Fund $60,973.98, Library Fund $1,032.96, Park & Recreation Fund $100,000.00, Debt Service $402.50, Water Fund $44,955.33, Sewer Fund $9,138.01, TIF Fund $3,676.32

Lori Erickson moved to approve claims, second by Brian Blesi, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS

Celebration of Securing the Simonson Woods Property, Consideration of Assignment of Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant and Receipt of Quit Claim Deed for Simonson Woods Property, Consideration of a Resolution Agreeing to Transfer Five Acres of Former Simonson Woods Property to the Wert Family for Single Home Construction Within Development Guidelines

Members of the Community, WI DNR, West Wisconsin Land Trust, National Park Service, Conservation Fund, Ice Age Trail Foundation, the Wert Family, the Governor’s Office, and State Senate were present for the transfer of ownership of the 448 Acre Simonson Woods Property from West Wisconsin Land Trust to the City of St Croix Falls, the property was acquired utilizing a Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant and will be preserved for future generations.

Mayor Foss signed the Quit Claim Deed and Land Transfer Documents.

Lori Erickson moved to adopt Resolution #07-30, Allowing for Transfer of Five Acres to the Wert Family for Construction of a Single-Family Home, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, motion passed.

Lori Erickson moved to take a break, second by Darrell Anderson, voice vote, motion passed

Darrell Anderson moved to reconvene the meeting, second by Arnie Carlson, voice vote, passed.

Update on Condo Declaration and Condo Plat as it Relates to the Holiday Foods Building Partnership with Dr. Amin Uddin

Attorney Brian Nodolf: City would like to have the privately owned portion of the property on the tax roll for 2008, however Dr Uddin has some concerns on parking and other issues to be resolved before signing, he has indicated that he would be willing to make a payment in Lieu of Taxes to the City in 2008. Dr. Uddin will be meeting with the City Attorney to work on these issues.

Consider a Contract with Norsman Architects for Design Services for Library Public Parking Lot and Public Plaza, Former Holiday Foods Building, Confirm Foregoing Green Roof, Library Fundraising Update

Ed Emerson: Due to an estimated cost of $185,000 for a green roof on the Holiday Foods Building it is recommended that we repair existing roof, foregoing green roof will also leave options open for solar energy. Construction of Public Plaza in portion of parking lot will improve storm water runoff and non-point pollution. Public improvements are TIF eligible and Sean Lentz of Ehlers & Ass will be here in January to review funding options.

Attorney Brian Nodolf: contract with Norsman Architects if for an hourly rate up to a specified amount, contract needs language for getting out without having to pay cap amount, Council can adopt Contract contingent upon adding language, there is also a question on design of “back” outdoor space.

Sarah Adams: the current balance in the Building Fund is $82,000 and have verbal commitments for another $107,000. We have submitting applications for various Grants. We will be holding a Film Fest Fundraiser in February, a snow tubing event, spaghetti dinner, a carnival, Fall Festival, and will be holding an event in conjunction with Wannigan Days.

Lori Erickson moved to approve Contract for Design of Parking Lot and Public Plaza for Library with Norsman Architects contingent upon inclusion of termination language, reporting requirements, green space, and review by City Attorney, second by Brian Blesi, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Lori Erickson moved to forego green roof, second by Darrell Anderson, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Approval of City Election Officials for Next Election Term

Darrell Anderson moved to approve the appointments of Election Officials for the next Election Term as listed, second by Brian Blesi, roll call vote, 3 ayes, Arnie Carlson abstained, motion passed.

ADJOURNMENT

Darrell Anderson moved to adjourn, second by Arnie Carlson, voice vote, motion passed. 9:15 pm.

Brad Foss, Mayor Bonita Leggitt, City Clerk