CITY OF ST CROIX FALLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 9, 2009, 7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL, 710 HWY 35 SOUTH
Mayor Darrell Anderson called a regular meeting of the City of St. Croix Falls Common Council to order on Monday, February 9, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Roll call: Councilpersons Debra Kravig, Brian Blesi, Paul Kuhlmann and Arnie Carlson were present. Also present: Administrator Ed Emerson, Clerk Bonita Leggitt, Police Chief Jack Rydeen, Fire Chief Wade Sommer, the public and the press. All joined in the salute to the flag.
Arnie Carlson moved to approve the Minutes of the January 26, 2009 Regular Council Meeting with correction of Paul Kuhlmann being present, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, motion passed.
Fire Chief Wade Sommer presented the January 2009 Fire Report.
Police Chief Jack Rydeen presented the January 2009 Police Report.
Mayor Darrell Anderson: St Croix Falls School District has won the “Spirit of Excellence” award for this region and came in 3rd overall in State.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
Brian Blesi: Deer Management Committee will meet on March 5, 2009.
Mayor Darrell Anderson: Cemetery Board has hired Cheryl Lehman as the new Sexton.
General Fund $38,810.95, TIF Fund $43.50, Library Fund $893.05, Library Building Fund $17,429.33, Water Fund $4,390.24, Sewer Fund $40,153.56.
Brian Blesi moved to approve claims clean up responsibilities in regards to invoiced work, second by Paul Kuhlmann, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.
OLD BUSINESS
Arnie Carlson requested that Council Members look at City website and note what needs changing.
Warren White noted that Polk Co Land Information has mapped some of the City Trails in GIS, should contact Polk Co to add more trails to GIS and then put link to GIS mapped trails on website.
NEW BUSINESS
Consider Actions Relating to Fluoride in City Water
In response to concerns about Fluoride in city water brought up by a resident, Councilperson Debra Kravig has been researching the issue. In the past we were taught that public fluoridation was a great thing for public health. In 2006 the CDC and ADA issued recommendations that fluoridated water not be used in infant formula. Researchers are questioning the benefit of fluoridation of public water with the availability of fluoride through other sources. Studies are showing declines in tooth decay across a number of countries whether or not they fluoridate water. Recent studies are also showing a rise in Fluorosis, a condition where teeth are discolored due to too much fluoride.
Dentists Steve McCormick and Cheryl Cermin, and Jon Cermin all spoke in support of fluoridating water and the beneficial impact of fluoridation on public health.
It was noted that the Council should continue to stay informed about fluoride, and continue to fluoridate water at this time.
Brian Blesi moved to direct staff to send out a “fluoride fact sheet” with the next water billing, second by Paul Kuhlmann, voice vote, motion passed.
Introduction of Ordinance Amending National Scenic Riverway District Code
In 2004 the State directed municipalities to review and adopt Riverway Rules, the City of St Croix Falls adopted Riverway Zoning Codes in 2006 to address NR118, the State has reviewed the City’s Code and sent back comments in 2007. Brian Adams has been working on incorporating those clarifications recommended by the State in the proposed Ordinance for updating the City’s Riverway Code. Proposed Ordinance has been sent to the State for review. Once State review is complete, the proposed Ordinance will come back for a Public Hearing and consideration by the City Council.
Consider First Draft of Standard Engineering Services Agreement
Contract presented was for large project, need simpler document for small projects.
Consider Accepting New Agent for Logger’s Bar & Grill Alcohol License
Dave Kremet of Loggers Bar & Grill submitted a letter to the Mayor expressing regret, remorse, and taking full responsibility for his actions. He has requested that Laurie Warndahl be appointed as the Agent for their Alcohol Licenses.
Debra Kravig moved to approve the appointment of Laurie Warndahl as the Agent for Loggers Bar & Grills’ Alcohol Licenses, second by Arnie Carlson, voice vote, motion passed.
Consider Revolving Loan Fund Recommendations
Brian Blesi moved to adopt Resolution #09-02, Formally Establishing the Revolving Loan fund Façade Loan and Micro Loan Program and Committee, second by Arnie Carlson, voice vote, motion passed.
Brian Blesi moved to accept the Revolving Loan Fund Committee’s recommendation to approve a Façade Loan for up to $30,000 for the old Fire Hall on S Washington St contingent upon signed lease for over 50% of ground flour space, review of company financials including a credit check, and a lien on the building in the amount of the loan, second by Arnie Carlson, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.
Consider Eliminating Two Parking Spaces on State St at Intersection with Adams St to Ensure Public Safety
Placement of a sign designating the two parking spaces on the west end of State St has not been successful, the City is still getting numerous complaints of about lack of visibility at intersection of Adams and State St, consequently it has been recommended that those two ends spots be eliminated.
Paul Kuhlmann moved to eliminate the two west end parking spaces along the north side of State St and to relocate the compact car only sign to the new end space, second by Arnie Carlson, voice vote, motion passed.
Darrell Anderson, Mayor Bonita Leggitt, City Clerk