CITY OF ST CROIX FALLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 25, 2008, 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, August 25, 2008 at 7:02 p.m. Roll call: Councilpersons Debra Kravig, Arnie Carlson, Brian Blesi, and Paul Kuhlmann present. Also present: Administrator Ed Emerson, Clerk Bonita Leggitt, Librarian Sarah Adams, the public and the press. All joined in the salute to the flag.
Arnie Carlson moved to approve the Minutes of the August 11, 2008 Council Meeting, second by Debra Kravig, voice vote, motion passed.
Arnie Carlson moved to approve the Minutes of the August 11, 2008 Closed Session, second by Paul Kuhlmann, voice vote, motion passed.
Brian Blesi moved to take Agenda Item 8f, Update on Library Project, as part of Reports of Public Officials, second by Paul Kuhlmann, voice vote, motion passed.
REPORTS OF OFFICIALS
Sarah Adams, Library: we only need to raise another $220,000 to meet goal of raising one million towards the $1.6 million needed for a new Library. There will be a World War II Traveling History Museum at the Library on Friday, August 29, from 3pm to 6pm. Library Board has decided to contract with Norsman Architects for Phase II.
Dr. Uddin: my contractor is concerned that we may need to postpone project until leaks in roof are fixed. Brain Blesi: the two roof spots that are leaking could be repaired for a reasonable cost so that work on project can continue, then can address removing vents and parapets before replacing roof. Warren White: Public Plaza was staked today, concrete turn-around was poured out to property line, won’t be room for planting visual barrier between us and Holiday Station, curb for drive entrance not in correct location for sidewalk, the same contractor will be doing walkway so can be dealt with then.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
Brian Blesi: working group on Deer Management met last Thursday, Michelle Carlyle of the DNR had some good suggestions, full committee will be meeting this Thursday.
General Fund $323,218.20, Library Building Fund $12,389.75, B Bonds $11,902.50, Water Fund $4,908.98, Sewer Fund $43,458.30
Arnie Carlson moved to approve claims, second by Brian Blesi, roll call vote, 4 ayes, passed.
NEW BUSINESS
Welcome of St Croix Falls Wannigan Days Royalty
Suzie Jasperson introduced the St Croix Falls 2007 and 2008 Royalty. The St Croix Falls Float won plaques and trophies this year. Thanked City, Scott Brust, and Street Dept for work on float, and noted that they could use a new float, this one is getting a little wobbly and the metal flap on back is bad.
Presentation of River Valley Stewardship Award to West Wisconsin Land Trust, Congratulations on their 20th Anniversary and Update on Bio-Blitz Event at the Wert Family Nature Preserve
Mayor Darrell Anderson presented Rick Gauger and Edith Kadlec of the West Wisconsin Land Trust with the 2008 St Croix River Valley Stewardship Award. The West Wisconsin Land Trust held it’s 20th Anniversary Bio-Blitz Celebration on August 9, 2008 at the Wert Family Nature Preserve with base camp set up at the Lions Park, 70 adults and 28 kids registered at the event and participated in guided hikes, educational activities, and two species inventories.
Consider Class B Liquor License and Class B Beer License and Execution of Agreement on use of City Owned Mini Park at 120 N Washington St for Indian Creek Orchard and Winery
Mike Welch owns Indian Creek Orchard and is interested in opening a Winery and Grille at 120 N Washington St utilizing the adjacent City owned Mini Park for outdoor seating, also plan on offering wine making supplies, gourmet foods, wine tasting events, and wine making classes. Utilizing both the building and Mini Park allows for seating up to 372, qualifying for a full Class B Liquor License under the 300 seat exception rule for restaurants. An Agreement on the use of the Mini Park would be for a three year term and is non-transferable. The Purchase of 120 N Washington is contingent upon approval of the Alcohol Licenses.
Council discussed whether it would be better to sell the park, noting that the park is under-utilized and back area is in need of repair, it was suggested that the Agreement should be reviewed by an attorney.
Paul Kuhlmann moved to accept the agreement and grant a Class B Beer and Class B Liquor License subject to review and comment on agreement by the City Attorney, second by Debra Kravig, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.
Consider Pay Request #2 for State Street Construction Project
Brian Blesi noted that with the commencement of the Public Plaza Project that Line 129 of the State Street Construction Project Contract for seeding of open area along parking lot at 330 S Washington St is no longer needed and should be removed via a change order.
Brian Blesi moved to approve Pay Request #2 for $300,492.34 to A1 Excavating for work completed to date on the State Street Project, second by Arnie Carlson, roll
Update on Employee Health Insurance
The City currently spends $19,325.88 per month for employee health insurance, we are changing policies and going with a high deductible, $2500 for single and $5000 for family, health insurance plan that will cost $12,671.00 per month. The City will fund the first year’s deductible in full and will fund the difference between the current deductible and new deductible the second year. Under this approach the City will save $14,858.56 in premiums the first year and $33,612.32 in premiums the second year based upon current 2008 rates. Employees have agreed to this policy change as long as the City continues to make contributions at the second year level towards the high deductible. The new insurance becomes effective Sept 1, 2008.
Consider Pembers’ Final Pay Request for Overlook Park Trail Project
Brian Blesi moved to approve the Final Pay Request for Overlook Park Trail Project to Pember Excavating for $4,869.70, second by Arnie Carlson, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.
Consider Three-Party Design Engineering Services Contract, (Federal Grant Funds) US Hwy 8 and Industrial Parkway Intersection Improvements
Congressman David Obey secured $1.2 million for improvements to the Hwy 8 and Industrial Pkwy intersection due to concerns raised by residents of Fox Hills Estates, the money will be funded in 2012 for the WI DOT, a three-party Design Engineering Service Contract between the DOT, URS Corporation, and the City has been forwarded to us from the DOT. URS Corporation is the consultant used by the WI DOT. Council question item F(3) of the contract where is says that the existing intersection would be closed and requests that someone from the DOT come to answer questions.
Arnie Carlson moved to table consideration of the Design Engineering Services Contract pending appearance of the DOT, second by Paul Kuhlmann, voice vote, motion passed.
Consider Participation in SCRMC Foundation Dinner: $600.00
The St Croix Valley Health Care Foundation is holding a fund raising dinner for the Hospital at Trollhaugen on September 25th at 6pm, a table sponsorship for $600 reserve space for 8 people from the City to attend and recognition at the event.
Brian Blesi moved to approve $600 for the Foundation Dinner, second by Arnie Carlson, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.
Consider Authorizing Closing of Washington St from Louisiana St to Massachusetts St from 7 am to 6 pm for Autumn Festival, Saturday, September 27
Upon review the Vista Volunteers don’t believe we will need to close off a portion of Washington St for the Autumn Festival.
Debra Kravig moved to take a break, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, motion passed.
Paul Kuhlmann moved to reconvene, second by Arnie Carlson, voice vote, motion passed.
Consider Entering Closed Session Pursuant to State Statute 19.85 (1)(g) to Confer with Legal Counsel Regarding Strategy to be Adopted in Association with the Louisiana Street Storm Water Issue and Litigation Which the City is Likely to Become Involved
Brian Blesi moved to enter Closed Session Pursuant to State Statute 19.85 (1)(g) to Confer with Legal Counsel Regarding Strategy to be Adopted in Association with the Louisiana Street Storm Water Issue and Litigation Which the City is Likely to Become Involved, second by Paul Kuhlmann, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.
Return to Open Session
Debra Kravig moved to return to Open Session, second by Arnie Carlson, voice vote, motion passed.
Darrell Anderson, Mayor Bonita Leggitt, City Clerk