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MEMBERS PRESENT:  Karen Thayer, Shirley Sahr, Jon Warmke, Beth Hilliker, Connie Gates, Becky Markee, Char Onstad, Fred Goettl, and Muriel Gunderson (director)

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Sandy Kauffman

Meeting called to order by Beth at 4:00p.m.

MAY SECRETARY’S REPORT:  Motion by Shirley to accept the report.  Second by Connie.  Motion carried.  Report placed on file as submitted.

JUNE INVOICES:  approved and placed on file

OLD BUSINESS:  Policy revisions are to be added to each member’s own manual.  Muriel will make at least three additional manuals for those needing them.   

The regular meeting of the Common Council was held at City Hall in the City of Black River Falls on August 5, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.  Alderpersons Austin, Onstad, Johnson, Mathews, R. Eddy, Rahmlow, and J. Eddy were present.  Alderperson Olson was absent. Mayor Danielson presided.

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It was moved by Alderperson R. Eddy, seconded by Alderperson Austin to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the July 1 and 16, 2008 Council meetings.  Motion carried.

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CITIZENS IN ATTENDANCE

Miss Black River Falls and her Court introduced themselves and gave an overview of their activities to date and plans for the rest of their reign.

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Tim Ament, WPPI Director of Rates, reviewed the projected impact on electrical rates for proposed Municipal Utility capital improvements from 2009-2012. The report is available at either the Municipal Utility office or City Hall.

A special meeting of the Common Council was held at City Hall in the City of Black River Falls on July 16, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.  Alderpersons Austin, Johnson, Mathews, R. Eddy, Rahmlow, Olson and J. Eddy were present.  Alderperson Onstad was absent. Mayor Danielson presided.

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Resolution 2008-8, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EHLERS & ASSOCIATES, INC. TO SOLICIT A BID FOR $745,000 ELECTRIC SYSTEM BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES OF 2008 OF THE CITY OF BLACK RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN was distributed.

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Resolution 2008-9, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EHLERS & ASSOCIATES, INC. TO SECURE FINANCING FOR A $230,000 STATE TRUST FUND LOAN FOR THE CITY OF BLACK RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN was distributed.

The Public Safety Committee met at City Hall in the City of Black River Falls on July 16, 2008 at 7:30 P.M.  Alderpersons Rahmlow, Austin, Mathews, R. Eddy and Olson were present.

1.Black River Emergency Medical Services Director Brad Chown presented his July 2008 report which is available at City Hall.

2.Dr. Don Delebo, a resident of the City living on the Black River, advised the Council of concerns he has with boat and personal watercraft traffic on the river especially as it relates to eroding the shorelines.

3.After considerable discussion, the Council decided to eliminate the City ordinance pertaining to the Black River so that the DNR enforced State Boating Regulations would be the standard.

4.It was moved by Alderperson Olson, seconded by Alderperson Mathews to post a sign at the boat landing stating the above along with a request that boaters respect the Black River shoreline and waterfowl. Motion carried. 

The Public Works Committee met at City Hall in the City of Black River Falls on July 16, 2008 at 6:00 P.M.  Alderpersons Austin, Johnson, Rahmlow, Olson and J. Eddy were present.

1. Street Superintendent Todd Gomer reported on a meeting several City representatives had with the engineers and planners from the State Department of Transportation District 6 office in Eau Claire. They are in charge of the maintenance on Highways 12, 27 and 54 in the City. They have figured estimates for the replacement of the top of the twin box culvert over Town Creek on North Water at a cost of $150,000.00, repair of Main Street from Water to 11th at a cost of $800,000.00 and repair of North Water between Adams and Highway 54 at a cost of $450,000.00. They are advising the City that the local share is typically between 25 and 40% of the total cost. The projects are currently scheduled in 2012 and 2013.
   
2. Mr. Gomer presented a revised city street replacement schedule for years 2009-2013. Projects have had to be delayed due to the high cost of asphalt. The schedule is available at City Hall.
   
3. Alderperson Olson requested that the City consider sidewalk on West Adams between Forrest and North 8th Streets. The City will get a cost estimate as a start to the process.
   
4. Mr. Gomer updated the Committee on other projects in his department.
    

It was moved by Alderperson Olson, seconded by Alderperson Rahmlow to adjourn. Motion carried.
 

William Arndt

City Clerk

Due to the heavy rains last evening, Jackson County has notified us that the Oak Ridge Trail from the 7th Street Park Lots to Hwy 12 Park Lots in Millston are now closed and will remain closed until further notification.   There are some spots that are over 5” deep of standing water and culverts are washed out.  If we receive additional rain this evening it is very likely that all the ATV trails in Jackson County will close.  We will keep everyone informed of any updates.

 The regular meeting of the Common Council was held at City Hall in the City of Black River Falls on July 1, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.  Alderpersons Austin, Johnson, Mathews, R. Eddy, Rahmlow, Olson and J. Eddy were present.  Alderperson Onstad was absent. Mayor Danielson presided.

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It was moved by Alderperson R. Eddy, seconded by Alderperson Johnson to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the June 3, 2008 Council meeting.  Motion carried.

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CITIZENS IN ATTENDANCE

Mayor Danielson opened the public information meeting on the proposed City Administrator position. There was no one in attendance who wished to speak.

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Jim Murray, CPA from Virchow Krause and Company, reviewed the City’s 2007 audit report and report on internal control.

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The Recreation and Development Committee of the City of Black River Falls met at City Hall on June 18, 2008 at 8:00 P.M.  Alderpersons Johnson, Onstad, Mathews, R. Eddy and J. Eddy were present.

Parks and Recreation Director Steve Peterson reviewed the proposed Lunda Community Center summer programs developed by LCC Coordinator Amanda Spangler. There are many programs planned including 5-sport camp, discover scuba, fun camp, snorkeling, dry-land hockey camp, kayaking at Wazee and intro to water polo. 
 

The Hoffman Aquatic Center is open and waiting for warmer weather. 

The Public Safety Committee met at City Hall in the City of Black River Falls on June 18, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.  Alderpersons Austin, Mathews, R. Eddy and Olson were present. Alderperson Rahmlow was absent. 

1.Alderperson Mathews acted as chairperson in the absence of Chairperson Rahmlow.

2.Police Chief Don Gilberg presented his June 2008 report including budget, caseload, current events and personnel.

3.The request from several individuals living along the Black River to enforce a no-wake zone from the Black River Dam to the I-94 bridge which is approximately the City Limits had been referred to this Committee. Chief Gilberg reviewed the City Municipal Code which requires no-wake on the Black River from 7:00 PM to 10:00 AM and no-wake within 100’ of the shore, boats or docks at other times. However, the City does not have a boat which would be needed to enforce the City Code. The State has specific regulations for this area also which are enforced by the DNR.

The Public Works Committee met at City Hall in the City of Black River Falls on June 18, 2008 at 6:40 P.M.  Alderpersons Austin, Johnson, Olson and J. Eddy were present. Alderperson Rahmlow was absent.

1. Street Superintendent Todd Gomer reported a break-in at the City Shop on May 26, 2008. Several items were taken and an insurance claim has been filed.

2. A local multi-family property owner requested that the City collect garbage from the senior citizens living there so they didn’t have to use the dumpster which can be difficult for them. The current policy of the City is to collect garbage and recyclables from residential buildings of up to 4 units. Collection from larger units would add substantially to the costs of both collection and disposal.