1. Call to Order

a. Roll Call
b. Approval of Minutes: November 21, 2011 Meeting

2. Old Business

a. Consider Rezoning of WWTP & City Property on River St as B1 Commercial

3. Adjourn

1. Call to Order

a. Roll Call
b. Salute to the Flag

2. Closed Session:

Consider Going Into Closed Session Pursuant to State Statute 19.85(1)(c) to Consider Employment, Promotion, Compensation or Performance Evaluation of Any Public Employee Over Which the Governmental Body has Jurisdiction or Exercises Responsibility, Specifically for the Purpose of Conducting a Six Month Performance Evaluation of the City Administrator.

3. Approval of Minutes: January 30, 2012 Regular Council Meeting

4. Reports of City Officials, Committee, Commissions, and Boards:

a. Police Dept Report for January
b. Fire Dept Report for January

5. Approval of Claims

6. Public Comments

7. New Business:

a. Consider Quotes for repair and painting of East Pine St Water Tower
b. Consider Mutual Aid Agreement for Fire Protection Services with City of Hudson
c. Consider Claybaugh Proposal for Update of Auditorium Building Designs
d. Discuss Yard Waste Management Plan
e. Consider Temporary Class B Beer License for Polk Co Fair
f. Consider Donation to the St Croix Falls High School Senior Graduation Lock-in

8. Adjournment

Requests from persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting or hearing should be made to City Hall at 715-483-3929 Posted: Thursday, February 9, 2012

1. Call to Order

a. Roll Call
b. Salute to the Flag

2. Approval of Minutes: January 9, 2012 Regular Council Meeting

3. Reports of City Officials, Committee, Commissions, and Boards:

a. Library Report

4. Approval of Claims

5. Public Comments

6. New Business:

a. Consider Repair of Damaged Dry Tube and Painting of Interior and Exterior of East Pine Water Tower
b. Consider Request for Sewer Credit by Interstate Park: leaking water fountain in camp grounds
c. Consider Proposal to Review Technical Plans for Army Corp’s WWTP Project Plan
d. Consider Candidates for Waste Water Operator Position

7. Adjournment

Requests from persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting or hearing should be made to City Hall at 715-483-3929 Posted: Friday, January 27, 2012

1. Call to Order

a. Roll Call
b. Salute to the Flag

2. Approval of Minutes: December 12, 2011 Regular Council Meeting

3. Reports of City Officials, Committee, Commissions, and Boards:

a. Police Dept Report for December
b. Fire Dept Report for December

4. Approval of Claims

5. Public Comments

6. New Business:

a. Public Hearing on Vacating of Streets: Portions of Missouri St, Ohio St, Pennsylvania St, and Franklin St abutting the Mobile Home Park, also Alley in Blocks 63 and 69
b. Consider Resolution to Vacate Streets Around Mobile Home Park
c. Consider Claims for Illegal Taxes: Gary Verhasselt and Polk Co Fair Board
d. Consider Job Description for Water/Waste Water Position
e. Consider Changing City Hall Office Hours from 8:30am/5pm to 8am/4:30pm

7. Adjournment

Requests from persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting or hearing should be made to City Hall at 715-483-3929 Posted: Thursday, January 5, 2012

1. Call to Order

a. Roll Call
b. Salute to the Flag

2. Approval of Minutes: November 28, 2011 Regular Council Meeting

3. Reports of City Officials, Committee, Commissions, and Boards:

a. Fire Dept Report
b. Police Dept Report

4. Approval of Claims

5. Public Comments

6. Old Business:

a. Consider Creation of Full Time Position in Water and Waste Water Departments

7. New Business:

a. Presentation on Walk-ability of St Croix Falls
b. Consider Request of St Croix Valley EMS for Additional Subsidy Payment for 2011
c. Consider Road Maintenance Agreement for Shared Roads with Town of St Croix Falls
d. Consider Burning of Brush and Yard Debris by City Crew
e. Consider Resolution to Comply with Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) #54, Fund Balance Reporting and Governmental fun Type Definitions and Appointment
f. Consider Confirmation of Appointment of Election Officials for Next 2 Years

8. Adjournment

Requests from persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting or hearing should be made to City Hall at 715-483-3929 Posted: Thursday, December 8, 2011

1. Call to Order

a. Roll Call
b. Salute to the Flag

2. Approval of Minutes: November 14, 2011 Regular Council Meeting and Budget Hearing

3. Reports of City Officials, Committee, Commissions, and Boards

a. Minutes of November 21, 2011 Plan Commission Meeting

4. Approval of Claims

5. Public Comments

6. New Business:

a. Presentation by City Administrator on Ownership Issues Along River Front
b. Consider Application for Driveway Permit by Deane Andre to Access River Fronting Property
c. Consider Establishing a Full Time Position: Water and Waste Water Departments
d. Consider Authorizing Acceptance of Proposal for Replacing Skid Steer
e. Consider Setting Date for December Council Meeting

7. Adjournment

Requests from persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting or hearing should be made to City Hall at 715-483-3929

Posted: Wednesday, November 23, 2011

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Darrell Anderson called a regular meeting of the City of St. Croix Falls Common Council to order on Monday, October 10, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Roll call: Councilpersons Debra Kravig, Brian Blesi, Paul Kuhlmann and Lori Erickson present.  Also present: Administrator Joel Peck, Clerk Bonita Leggitt, Assist Fire Chief Mike Dorsey, Police Officer Erin Murphy, the public and the press. All joined salute to the flag.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Brian Blesi moved to approve the Minutes of the September 26, 2011 Regular Council Meeting, second by Debra Kravig, voice vote, motion passed.

REPORTS

Police Officer Erin Murphy presented the September 2011 Police Report.
Asst Fire Chief Mike Dorsey presented the September 2011 Fire Dept Report
Paul Kuhlmann: Library Board will be holding a Halloween Fundraiser; Park and Rec saw a presentation on walking and biking safely to school.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

General Fund $31,732.92, Library $3,583.75, Debt Service $203,161.25, Water $804.40, Sewer $7,161.62.
Paul Kuhlmann moved to approve claims, second by Brian Blesi, roll call vote, 4 ayes, passed.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Wayne Swenson, Keith Smith, Lee Uhrhammer, Terry Nelson, Dean Camern, Jerry Kingery, Lisa Jensen, Rhonda Kingery, John Krischuk, Michael Kingery, Deane Andre and others were present to express concerns about possible condemnation of privately owned river lots, access to privately owned river frontage, use of public property for a business and neighborhood relations.

OLD BUSINESS

Consider Amendment to URS Contract for Intersection Analysis of Hwy 8 and Industrial Pkwy

At the last meeting on the URS Contract the Council asked that the overpass option be removed from consideration.  URS has responded that the overpass is part of the comprehensive analysis of options; it does not commit the City to constructing one.  Cost of analysis to date: $198,000.  The Federal Earmark for the project specifically states is for an overpass, would need language change for  different option.

NEW BUSINESS

Lori Erickson moved to take agenda item 7d, Discussion of Ownership, Use and Constraints of Properties Between Massachusetts St and Vermont St, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, motion passed.

Discuss Ownership, Use, and Constraints of Properties Between Massachusetts St and Vermont St

Questions on access have generated more questions about entire area along river north of the dam. The question being how can we take advantage of what is on our front door?  City needs a long range plan for the area, Xcel is the primary land owner along the river, what if they decide to sell?

Consider Contract for Assessor Services: Post Appraisals

Previous contract has expired, propose at 2.5% increase for 2012 with cost of living increases for 2013 and 2014, 3 year contract has clause for either party to cancel upon due notice.
Paul Kuhlmann moved to accept the 3 year contract with Post Appraisals, second by Brian Blesi, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of $3,755,000 GO Refunding Bonds

These Refunding Bonds would pay off existing debt and save City $331,000 in interest.
Brian Blesi moved to approve Resolution #11-07, Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of $3,725,000 GO Refunding Bonds, second by Debra Kravig, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider Adjustment to Access Easement for City Shop Through Jor-Gas Inc Property

Wayne Swenson, Polk County Surveyors: Jor-Gas wants to sell Bulk Business, the property has been surveyed and it was found that the existing driveway to the City Shop is not in the access easement, propose to move easement to where driveway and utilities are located, propose that Attorney Steve Swanson draw up paperwork for the easement and request that City have it recorded.  Jor-Gas also wants to divide the property into two lots.

Brian Blesi moved to approve the moving the easement and to authorize Attorney Steve Swanson to draw up the paperwork for recording, second by Lori Erickson, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider Opting Out of 2011 County Library Tax Levy

Lori Erickson moved to Opt Out of the 2011 Polk Co Library Tax Levy, second by Paul Kuhlmann, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Setting Date for Last Council Meeting in October

Lori Erickson moved to set as Oct 24, 2011 for the next Council Meeting, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, motion passed.

ADJOURNMENT

Lori Erickson moved to adjourn, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, motion passed. 9:15 pm.

Darrell Anderson, Mayor                                                                                Bonita Leggitt, City Clerk

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Darrell Anderson called a regular meeting of the City of St. Croix Falls Common Council to order on Monday, September 26, 2011 at 7 p.m.  Roll call: Councilpersons Brian Blesi, Paul Kuhlmann, Debra Kravig and Lori Erickson present.  Also present: Administrator Joel Peck, Clerk Bonita Leggitt, the public and the press.   All joined in the salute to the flag.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Brian Blesi moved to approve the Minutes of the September 12, 2011 Regular Council Meeting with the correction of the Living Land Mark presentation being on Oct 4^th, and Closed Session, second by Lori Erickson, voice vote, motion passed.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS/COMMITTEES

The Plan Commission met on 10-19, URS gave an update on status of intersection analysis.
Cemetery Board will meet on Oct 23.
Tourism Committee met and discussed advertising for 2012.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

General Fund $48,426.42, Library $1,896.72, Menards Intersection Fund $347,506.27, Water $16,624.84, Sewer $11,251.29
Brian Blesi moved to approve claims, second by Lori Erickson, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Wayne Swenson, owner of property on river, no one has talked to us about acquisition, seizure by condemnation isn’t right, where is plan for trail that has been mentioned?
Lee Urhammer: it is a devious plot to take property from good people, trail was looked at before and thought best to be along street.
Keith Smith leases Swenson’s lot and will be devoting his time to the issue.

NEW BUSINESS

Consider Request for Temporary Banner for St Croix Falls Lioness Club Chicken Dinner

Annual chicken dinner fund raiser, Lioness Club wishes to put banner up a week before event.
Lori Erickson move to approve a temporary banner for the St Croix Falls Lioness Club dinner, second by Paul Kuhlmann, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Award of Bid for Repaving of Lincoln St (LRIP Grant)

Paul Kuhlmann moved to award the bid for repaving of Lincoln St to Monarch Paving for $12,740.00, second by Brian Blesi, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider Ordinance Amending Chapter 1 for Term of Municipal Judge

State law changed  to require 4 year terms of Municipal Judges.
Lori Erickson moved to adopt Ordinance #4-11, Amending City Code 1.02 and 1.09 for Term of Office for Municipal Judge, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Amendment to URS Contract for Hwy 8 and Industrial Parkway Intersection Analysis

The contact with URS for the Analysis of the intersection of Hwy 8 and Industrial Pkwy has expired, the engineering cost are covered via the $1.25 million Federal earmark.  Project was delayed due to questions on language of earmark, DNR review delay, and retirement of the City Administrator.   A recap of what has been done to date was presented to the Plan Commission, their preferred option was an overpass if financially do able.

Council did not feel the overpass was a viable option, construction and maintenance would be an issue.  Should look at other options to address traffic concerns.  Contract needs to be amended with emphases placed on connection to Hwy 35 and frontage roads.

Brian Blesi moved to table Amendment to URS Contract, second by Debra Kravig, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Relocation Resolution for Condemnation of Lot 1 Blk 49, Lot 16 Blk 50, Lot 18 Blk 59, owned by Deane & Patricia Andrie and Lot 9 Blk 60, Wayne & Kerry Swenson and

The City Attorney was unable to attend the meeting.
Lori Erickson moved to Table the Relocation Resolution to the Oct 10 meeting, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, motion passed.

ADJOURNMENT

Brian Blesi moved to adjourn, second by Lori Erickson, voice vote, motion passed. 7:45 pm.

Darrell Anderson, Mayor                                                                                Bonita Leggitt, City Clerk

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Darrell Anderson called a regular meeting of the City of St. Croix Falls Common Council to order on Monday, September 12, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Roll call: Councilpersons Debra Kravig, Brian Blesi, Paul Kuhlmann and Lori Erickson present.  Also present: Administrator Joel Peck, Clerk Bonita Leggitt, Assist Fire Chief Mike Dorsey, Police Chief Jack Rydeen, the public and the press. All joined salute to the flag.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Lori Erickson moved to approve the Minutes of the August 29, 2011 Regular Council Meeting, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, motion passed.

REPORTS

Police Chief Jack Rydeen presented the August 2011 Police Report.
Debra Kravig: Living Land Mark will be doing a presentation on the auditorium on Oct 4 at 6pm.
Paul Kuhlmann: planning a haunted hike event fund raiser for conservation section of Library with aid of Boy Scouts, Park and Rec, and maybe Ice Age Trail.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

General Fund $40,742.88, Library $2,305.15, TIF District $330.00, Water $3,495.48, Sewer $7,114.99.
Lori Erickson moved to approve claims, second by, roll call vote Paul Kuhlmann, 4 ayes, passed.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Wayne Swenson: why is City considering condemning my property?
Keith Smith: I lease Swenson’s property, attempted to purchase it but was turned down, have contacted the Pioneer Press to tell them of matter.

OLD BUSINESS

Consider Quotes for Replacing Heating –Cooling Unit at Auditorium Building

Quote for used unit from JM Refrigeration $11,900; quote for new unit form Maxwell $18,472, from Comfort Systems $18,155.  Centennial Committee hopes to renovate building by 2017, which would entail a new designed heating cooling system, would not be compatible with current system.  Cost of unit was not budgeted for, would have to come from undesignated fund.

Debra Kravig moved to accept quote from JM Refrigeration for Used System for $11,900, second by Brian Blesi, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider Authorization of Line of Credit to Finance Early Construction Phase of WWTP

The City will need interim financing to cover expenses for the WWTP until project funding is secured, additional quoted were received from Bremer Bank at 3.25%, Sterling Bank 3.6%, US Bank 2.06% contingent upon approval of Bond Council an added fees.
Paul Kuhlmann moved to Authorize Interim Borrowing with Bremer Bank at 3.25% for  up to $1 Million, second by Brian Blesi, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS

Discuss Farmers Market and Private Vendors in Downtown

Jefferson Clark, Chair of Farmers Market Board: thought City Ordinances protected Farmers Market from competition of independent vendors on street when we are open.  We have a deadline for joining our organization  and we limit ourselves to one vendor per product.  The private vendor who wanted to sell syrup had missed the deadline and we already have a syrup vendor.  Farmers Market is managed by volunteers and has limited time for dealing with questions.

Maureen Yunker: had requested a copy of by-laws, did not receive, was told by Farmers Market that I couldn’t participate, felt that Farmers Market was denying my right as a resident to participate.

Council expressed concerns with drop in number of vendor in the Farmers Market, Market should not be so exclusive, support no street vendors during market, need to address codes before next season.

Consider Baird Proposal for Refinancing of City Debt

Baird proposes that the City refinance CDA and GO Debt to take advantage of current low interest rates, estimate saving $341,127 in interest to do so; these debts would still be paid off in 2020.  Financing of CDA debt as GO debt saves interest but would also impact the City’s debt limit.

Brian Blesi moved to approve proceeding with Baird proposal for refinancing of City debt contingent upon favorable review by City Auditor, and Baird bringing back a Parameters Resolution and an Award               Resolution to Council on Oct 10, second by Debra Kravig, voice vote, motion passed.

Debra Kravig moved to take a break, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, motion passed.
Lori Erickson moved to reconvene, second by Paul Kuhlmann, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Applying for a Simplified Rate Increase for Water Utility Rates

Paul Kuhlmann moved to authorize a simplified rate increase, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Resolution Adopting State Equipment Rates

Paul Kuhlmann moved to approve Resolution #11-06, Adopting State Equipment Rates, second by Lori Erickson, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Application for Class B Beer and Class C Wine License for Lucky Cup

Debra Kravig moved to approve a Class B Beer and Class C Wine License for the Lucky Cup, second by Lori Erickson, voice vote, motion passed.

Discuss Term of Office for Municipal Judge: Currently per City Code: 2 Year Term, New State Statutes Specify 4 Year Term unless Determined Otherwise by Charter Ordinance

Brian Blesi moved to proceed with amending City Code for Municipal Judge for 4 year term, second by Lori Erickson, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Signage for Trailside Condominiums

Dr Uddin has requested authorization to place a sign for his business next to the entrance to the Plaza, area is not included in Condo property.  the Library has also been considering placing signage on the south wall of the building, could they work together?

CLOSED SESSION: Consider Going Into Closed Session Pursuant to 19.85(1)(e) for Deliberating or Negotiating the Purchase of Public Property;  for possible Condemnation of Property for Public Use, Specifically Andrie and Swenson properties along River;   And Pursuant to 19.85(1)(e) for Deliberating or Negotiating the Purchase of Public Property, Specifically 209 River Street.

Brian Blesi moved to enter Closed Session Pursuant to 19.85(1)(g), confer with legal counsel for the governmental body who is rendering oral or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in which it is or is likely to become involved in: to wit, property access issues related to Deane and Patricia Andrie and Wayne Swenson properties.   And Pursuant to 19.85(1)(e) for Deliberating or Negotiating the Purchase of Public Property, Specifically 209 River Street, second by Debra Kravig, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Paul Kuhlmann moved to reconvene in open session, second by Brian Blesi, voice vote, passed.

City will continue with condemnation process for Andrie and Swenson properties.   City directed Weinhardt to clean up title to river frontage property.

ADJOURNMENT

Debra Kravig moved to adjourn, second by Paul Kuhlmann, voice vote, motion passed. 10:15 pm.

Darrell Anderson, Mayor                                                                                Bonita Leggitt, City Clerk

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Darrell Anderson called a regular meeting of the City of St. Croix Falls Common Council to order on Monday, August 29, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Fire Station. Roll call: Councilpersons Brian Blesi, Paul Kuhlmann, Debra Kravig and Lori Erickson present. Also present: Administrator Joel Peck, Clerk Bonita Leggitt, Fire Chief Wade Summer, Asst Fire Chief Mike Dorsey, Librarian Sarah Adams, the public and the press. All joined in the salute to the flag.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Brian Blesi moved to approve the Minutes of the August 8, 2011 Regular, second by Debra Kravig, voice vote, motion passed.

Brian Blesi moved to approve the Minutes of the August 8, 2011 Closed Session, second by Lori Erickson, voice vote, motion passed.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS/COMMITTEES

The Council toured the Fire Station and looked at some of the equipment.

Library Report by Sarah Adams: circulation is up, Library is at 65% of Budget.

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS

General Fund $46,301.93, Library $1,753.88, Debt Service $57.00, TIF District $427.32, Water $6,607.88, Sewer $4,623.94

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

NEW BUSINESS

Consider CUP for Auto Sales and Recreational Combat at 811 Pine Street

The Plan Commission held a Public Hearing on August 15 for a Conditional Use Permit for Auto Sales and Recreational Combat at 811 Pine St. Paul Christenson is the owner of the property, Ben Christenson proposes to sell used vehicles on the internet, a portion of the building would be used for storage of vehicles and as an office. Trevor Christensen proposes to lease a portion of the building for an indoor recreational combat/training facility, combat uses air pellet guns, safety rules are strictly enforced. As the only indoor facility in the Midwest it is anticipated that people will be drawn here from a large area.

Paul Kuhlmann moved to approve a Conditional Use Permit for Recreational Combat, and for Auto Sales contingent upon limit of 10 cars for sale being stored/parked outdoors, second by Lori Erickson, voice vote, motion passed.

Consider Sponsorship of Table for the St Croix Valley Healthcare Foundation: $600

Brian Blesi moved to sponsor a Table for the St Croix Valley Healthcare Foundation Fundraiser for $600.00, second by Debra Kravig, roll call vote, 4 ayes, motion passed.

Consider Quote for Replacing Heating-Cooling Unit at Auditorium building: $11,900

The cooling unit at the Auditorium has failed. JM Heating and Refrigeration has submitted a quote of $11,900 for a 4 year old used system, a new unit is estimated to cost $18,000 to $19,000. Maxwell Heating has also been asked for a proposal.

Brian Blesi moved to table quote for cooling unit, second by Paul Kuhlmann, voice vote, passed.

Consider Authorization of Line of Credit to Finance Early Construction Phase of WWTP

The City has received three proposals for interim financing of $500,000 to cover project costs for the WWTP until full financing is in place. Council determined that other financing options should be looked into in hopes of finding better interest rates, noting that more than $500,000 may be needed.

ADJOURNMENT

Brian Blesi moved to adjourn, second by Lori Erickson, voice vote, motion passed. 8:30 pm.

Darrell Anderson, Mayor

Bonita Leggitt, City Clerk