CITY OF ST. CROIX FALLS

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

AUGUST 8, 2005, 7:00 P.M.

CITY HALL, 710 HWY 35 SOUTH

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Lee Uhrhammer called to order a regular meeting of the City of St. Croix Falls Common Council on Monday, August 8, 2005 at 7:03 p.m. Roll call: Councilpersons Darrell Anderson, Bill Kersch, Jon Cermin and were present, Debra Points was present via teleconference. Also present: Administrator Ed Emerson, Clerk Bonita Leggitt, Treasurer Jamie Carlson, Attorney John Schneider, Charlie Jones, Wendy Sander and Chris Strom of Cedar Corp, the public and the press. All Present joined in the salute to the flag.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Debra Points moved to approve the Minutes of the July 25, 2005 Regular Council Meeting, second by Darrell Anderson, voice vote, motion passed.

Darrell Anderson moved to approve the Minutes of the July 25, 2005 Closed Council Meeting, second by Jon Cermin, voice vote, motion passed.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS

The July 2005 Police Report and the July 2005 Fire Department Report were presented to Council.

REPORTS OF COMMITTIES, COMMISSIONS, AND BOARDS

The August 3, 2005, Library Board Minutes were presented to Council.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

General $45,200.91, Park & Rec. $18,076.77, Library $2,257.90, Water $6,443.48, Sewer $7,164.76

Debra Points moved to approve claims, second by Jon Cermin, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS

Consider Authorizing Eagle Scout Project: “The Log Jam” to be Placed in Wyatt Park

Peter Weber proposes to erect a plaque about “The Log Jam” as his Eagle Scout Project. He will be working with the National Park Service on the design and wording of the plaque and will be raising funds to cover the cost of the project. The plaque will be erected on a location selected after site renovations are completed at Wyatt Park.

Jon Cermin moved to authorize Peter Weber to move forward with an Eagle Scout Project for a plaque on “The Log Jam”, second by Debra Points, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Authorization of ‘Bristol City Gown Auction’, Overlook Deck, August 11, and Waiver of City Amplification Restrictions

Erin Bont: proposal is for the band ‘Bristol City’ to play while used prom dresses are being viewed and tried on prior to holding an auction to sell the dresses, refreshments and accessories will be sold yard sale wise, event would start at 5 pm on Thursday, August 11.

Debra Points moved to authorize Bristol City Gown Auction and waive amplification restrictions for the event, second by Jon Cermin, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider a Resolution Supporting the Phipps Center for the Arts Bench Project

Anatasia Shartin and Jill Shannon of the Phipps Center for the Arts presented a proposal for ‘The Arts Bench Project’. This is a pilot program that is being tried in three communities. A volunteer group of local residents would meet to identify, design, raise funds, and gather materials for a unique bench for the community. They would have the option of working with an artist or of doing the project themselves. Anatasia Shartin would be the coordinator for the projects. It was noted that future maintenance and upkeep would vary depending upon materials chosen.

Jon Cermin moved to adopt Resolution #05-27, authorizing support for the St Croix Valley community Foundation-Phipps Center for the Arts “Bench Project” with the City to have final say over design and materials, second by Debra Points, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider a Resolution Granting a $20,000 Commission to Juliann Stage, Utilizing Non-Tax Dollars ‘Outdoor Sculpture Funds’ to be Secured from the Menards Development, and Approval of Contractual Agreement

Juliann Stage applied for a RLF Loan to open a studio downtown, in an effort to preserve RLF dollars it was thought that enhancement funds to be received from Menards could be utilized to commission a life size outdoor sculpture. By granting the $20,000 commission, all rights to the sculpture shall be granted to the City and up to 5 full size and 50 smaller moldings may be made for sale with profits used to establish a Public Enhancement Fund for supporting arts and amenities. A wax draft of the proposed sculpture would be submitted to Council for approval, additional pieces would not be bronzed until an order was received for the piece.

Debra Points would like to see a committee established to oversee Public Enhancement Fund, to determine how funds would be used and perhaps to set up a competitive proposal process. How would sales be handled? We have many artists and sculptors in City and should spread our support. $20,000 seems a high price for a sculpture. We should create a brochure to promote these types of things.

Darrell Anderson: sculpture fund is an investment in our community.

Jon Cermin: it adds to our community to have a sculpture, my concern is how does City sell art?

Debra Kravig had no objection to this project but suggests that a plan be drawn up where potential locations and themes for public artwork are determined and put up for proposals in future.

Jon Cermin moved to adopt Resolution #05-28, granting a $20,000 commission to Juliann Stage and approving contractual agreement for sculpture, second by Darrell Anderson, roll call vote, 3 ayes; Debra Points voted nay, motion passed.

Consider Approval of Operators Licenses

Debra Points moved to approve an Operators License for Linda Campbell, seconded by Darrell Anderson, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Authorization of Pay Request #2, Wilberg Blvd Improvements

Jon Cermin moved to authorize Pay Request #2 for Wilberg Blvd to McCabe Construction for $183,988.47, second by Debra Points, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider Authorization of Pay Request #3, River Street Master Plan

Sabongi Design Group will be making a presentation of the River Street Master Plan in September.

Bill Kersch moved to approve Pay Request #3 for $4,000 to Sabongi Design Group, second by Debra Points, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider Approval of RLF Loan to Croix Computer Consultants

Gerald Wyatt, Eric Wyatt, and Wendy Todd are starting Croix Computer Consultants on Hwy 8 in the Landmark Financial building and have applied for a RLF Loan. The Wyatt family are long term residents of St Croix Falls. The Revolving Loan Fund Committee recommends a loan of $30,000 for 7 years at 4% interest to Croix Computer Consultants.

Bill Kersch moved to approve a RLF Loan to Croix Computer Consultants for $30,000 for 7 years at 4% interest conditioned upon Gerald Wyatt’s personal guaranty, second by Jon Cermin, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider a Resolution Leasing City Owned Land to Life Link EMS and Sharing Costs of a Garage to House Ambulance and Police Vehicles

With the sale of the old Fire Hall the Ambulance Service and Police Department no longer have a garage facility, it is proposed that a shared facility be constructed on City owned land on Maple Dr, known as the Rouselow property. In exchange for the lease of land the City shall receive a 50% reduction of support fees for EMS services for the length of the lease. Life Link and the City shall share construction costs of the garage facility based upon percentage of building utilized, 2 bays for EMS, 1 bay for City. In addition Life Link will construct a separate sleeping quarters behind the garage for use by EMS personnel on duty. Council question availability of room for expansion, with expected growth additional space may be needed in future.

Debra Points moved to adopt Resolution #05-29, leasing City owned land to Life Link EMS and sharing construction cost of garage for ambulance and police vehicles, second by Jon Cermin, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider Revised Bid of Legacy Solar for a Streetlight at Aspen Drive

Original bid was for installation of a solar light at a cost of $5,300, revised bid is for $3,377 for a solar light with a smaller battery unit with a 3 hour long light. Intent was to install a solar light as a trial to see if doable in the City. It was hoped that supplier would cut the City a deal on cost in anticipation of generating more business, instead the solar street light proposed was downgraded to a smaller unit. With high cost of solar street light it was questioned if it wouldn’t be more cost effective to go with an electric street light. Cost for an electric street light will be sought for a true cost comparison.

Bill Kersch moved to table the consideration of a solar streetlight until comparison data is obtained, second by Debra Points, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Authorizing “Low Voltage” Talent Show, August 20, Festival Theatre

Woody McBride and Michael Schaar: miscommunication, intent was to seek authorization for an amplified music event at the Overlook Deck on September 24^th similar to the one held on June 18^th. As the item was not properly noticed on the agenda it will need to be placed on a future agenda.

Debra Points moved to table authorization of event, second by Bill Kersch, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider a Resolution Allowing for the Sale of 5 ft of Property, East Kentucky Street to Allow for Sale of Property

When preparing to close on a sale of 225 E Kentucky St it was discovered that when the home was built it was placed over the east property line. The owner has negotiated with the east neighbor to purchase 5 ft to cover the area where the house sits. As these two lots are already sub-standard sized lots the owner is seeking authorization for the transfer of the 5 feet to allow for the sale of the house.

Jon Cermin moved to adopt Resolution #05-30, allowing for the transfer of 5 feet of land to reflect actual uses for sale of property, second by Bill Kersch, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Approval of Bids for Georgia Street Resurfacing

Jon Cermin moved to table approval of bids for Georgia St, second by Darrell Anderson, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Approval of Mechanical Engineer Study, Festival Theatre Building

Cedar Corp submitted a proposal for work by Mechanical Engineer Gary Gust to conduct an assessment of the existing heating and ventilation system of the Festival Theatre for a cost of $3,500 within a 5 week time frame for completion.

Debra Points moved to approve Mechanical Engineer Study of the Festival Theatre Building for a cost not to exceed $3,500, second by Jon Cermin, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider Authorizing Impact Fee Analysis Study, Proceed with Cost Estimates, Cedar Corp

The purpose of Impact Fees is to fund off-site improvements impacted by new development so that existing residents are not forced to pay for growth. Impact Fees can be collected for capital improvements for water systems, sewer systems, storm sewers, transportation, police, fire, library, parks and recreation, and general government. In order to implement Impact Fees an analysis study is required to determine fees and covered projects, once study is complete there would need to be public hearings and an Ordinance adopted implementing the fees. Fees are required to be kept in separate funds for specified purposes and if not used within a specific time period they must be returned to land owner. By starting process now the City could have Impact Fees in place for next springs building season, fees are generally collected at time of building permit issuance. Cedar Corp proposes to conduct the Impact Fee Analysis for a cost of $6,900.

Debra Points moved to authorize Cedar Corp to conduct an Impact Fee Analysis for a cost not to exceed $6,900, seconded by Bill Kersch, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider Authorizing Louisiana Street Design and Engineering

Through meetings with Xcel Energy its looking like under grounding of power line will occur in 2006. Although Xcel Energy has committed to work on Louisiana St they are not ready to proceed down Blanding Woods Rd at this time. In conjunction with the under grounding of the power line it is proposed that Louisiana St be reconstructed from Washington St up to Blanding Woods Rd. Improvements would include sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, street construction, and sidewalk the entire length along one side. Polk Co wants to be involved in storm sewer planning. Construction will be summer long project due to slope and coordination with Xcel Energy. Public information meetings will be conducted for impacted residents. A portion of the project costs will be borne by Xcel Energy, in addition grant funding will be applied for and funding options will be looked into through the planning process. Design fees are estimated at $104,620, $50,000 of which has already been authorized.

Jon Cermin moved to authorize design of Louisiana St for an additional cost of $54,620, second by Bill Kersch, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider Authorizing St Croix Floral to Construct Rock Retaining Wall, SCF Historical Society, With Donation of Shrubs and Perennials, at a Cost Not to Exceed $3,000

The St Croix Falls Historical Society has rehabilitated the garage located at their headquarters at 106 S Washington St. During rainfall the water runs off the roof into courtyard, they wish to have a sitting wall constructed between the garage and principal building to address water runoff and define a pathway to door. St Croix Floral has submitted a quote of $2,918 for construction of the wall and has agreed to donate shrubs and plantings for the project. Councilperson Debra Points recommended utilizing the City’s share of Park & Recreation funds for the project.

Jon Cermin moved to authorize construction of a retaining wall for the Historical Society for a cost not to exceed $2,918, second by Bill Kersch, roll call vote, motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Michael Schaar and Woody McBride expressed concerns about the delay in authorization for their proposed event in September; they would like to start promoting the event.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

There will be a Meeting with Senator Sheila Harsdorf and the WisDOT regarding safety of the intersection of US Hwy 8 and Industrial Blvd on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 at 7 pm at City Hall.

ADJOURNMENT

Bill Kersch moved to adjourn the meeting, second by Jon Cermin, voice vote, motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.

Lee Uhrhammer, Mayor Bonita Leggitt, City Clerk