CALL TO ORDER

Council President Debra Points called to order a regular meeting of the City of St. Croix Falls Common Council on Monday, April 11, 2005 at 7:01 p.m. Roll call: Councilpersons Darrell Anderson, Debra Points, Bill Kersch and Dan Meyers were present. Also present: Administrator Ed Emerson, Clerk Bonita Leggitt, Attorney John Schneider, Fire Chief Dale Anderson, Public Works Director Dennis Neva, Chris Strom of Cedar Corp, the public and the press. All Present joined in the salute to the flag.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Darrell Anderson moved to approve the Minutes of the March 28, 2005 Regular Council Meeting, seconded by Dan Meyers, voice vote, motion passed.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

The 2005 March Police Report was presented to Council.

Fire Chief Dale Anderson presented the 2005 March Fire Department Report to Council; a City wide burning ban has been issued.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

General $42,906.82, Park & Rec. $29.98, Library $2,246.85, Debt Service $62,822.98, Water $4,468.08, Sewer $6,549.60

Bill Kersch moved to approve claims, seconded by Darrell Anderson, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND BOARDS

The Minutes of the March 21, 2005 Parks & Rec Committee and the April 6, 2005 Library Board Meeting were presented for Council’s information.

NEW BUSINESS

Dan Meyers moved to table agenda item 8g, discussion on establishing a tele-conference policy, seconded by Bill Kersch, voice vote, motion passed.

2004 Closing Audit Report – Steve Scheidler, Tracey & Thole, S.C.

Steve Scheidler went over the actual expenditure totals by department as compared to the 2004 budgeted amounts and reviewed the City’s outstanding debt with the City Council, the final Audit will be completed and delivered later. The Water Utility is in good financial shape and water rates are sufficient. The Sewer Utility’s expenses were higher than revenues and rates that are being charged should be re-evaluated.

Consider Bids for Establishing Official City Newspaper for Coming Year

The City received bids for publishing from the Inter-County Leader and the Standard Press.

Darrell Anderson moved to award the bid for publishing for the coming year to the Standard Press News Paper, seconded by Bill Kersch, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider Cigarette License Application for Wal-Mart Super Center

Wal-Mart Super Center has applied for a Cigarette License for the remainder of this Licensing cycle.

Bill Kersch moved to approve the Cigarette License for the Wal-Mart Super Center, seconded by Dan Meyers, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Authorizing “Reimbursement Agreement” for Relocation of Northern Natural Gas Pipeline, Glacier Dr Extension, at Developers’ Expense

Glacier Dr will be extended south to tie into the new Wilberg Blvd crossing an existing gas line in the process; consequently the gas line will need to be relocated. Cost of relocation, est. at $108,000, will have to be reimbursed to Northern Natural Gas by the City and then be assessed back to benefiting property owners in conjunction with the street project.

Darrell Anderson moved to authorize the Reimbursement Agreement for relocation of Northern Natural Gas’s pipeline for an est. cost of $108,000, seconded by Bill Kersch, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider Purchase of Ditch Mower, City Street Department

Public Works Director Dennis Neva has evaluated the Brush Hog and Rhino brand ditch mowers. The Brush Hog has a 35 gal capacity and costs $5,650, the Rhino has a 60 gal capacity and is a heavier unit for a cost of $6,050, PWD Neva recommends purchasing the Rhino mower.

Dan Meyers moved to authorize the purchase of a Rhino mower for $6,050, seconded by Bill Kersch, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider Authorizing Polk County Highway Department to Provide Detour Signage, Washington St Enhancement Project

Polk County Hwy Department has submitted a bid of $5,188.47 for detour signage for Hwy 87 for the Washington and Massachusetts St project, the Wis. D.O.T. has requested a couple additional signs that may add a little to that cost. The project is anticipated to commence in August and take about 8 weeks.

Darrell Anderson moved to accept Polk County Hwy Dept’s bid for detour signage at an estimated cost of $5,200, seconded by Dan Meyers, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Update on River St Master Plan Process and River Falls Planning Conference

Five citizens, Meg Luhrs, Amy Klein, Sharon Foss, Debra Kravig, and Ed Emerson, attended the River Falls Planning Conference and worked on planning for River Street, these five people will comprise a committee that will work with Sabongi Consulting Group on creation of a Master Plan for River Street.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

The Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 19^th, at 5 pm.

ADJOURNMENT

Darrell Anderson moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Bill Kersch, voice vote, motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8 pm.

Lee Uhrhammer, Mayor Bonita Leggitt, City Clerk