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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.

The Committee as a Whole met at City Hall in the City of Black River Falls on June 18, 2008 at 6:00 P.M.  Alderpersons Austin, Onstad, Johnson, Mathews, R. Eddy, Olson, and J. Eddy were present. Alderperson Rahmlow was absent. Mayor Ron Danielson presided.

1. The purpose of this meeting is to hear public comment concerning the possibility of establishing a City Administrator position. The Administrator would be appointed by the City Council taking the place of the elected City Clerk and City Treasurer positions. There is a legal question as to the procedure for making the change, either by action of the City Council or by a referendum vote of the citizens of the City. According to City Attorney Dan Diehn the safest way to avoid a challenge would be to have the referendum. 

The regular meeting of the Common Council was held at City Hall in the City of Black River Falls on June 3, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.  Alderpersons Austin, Onstad, Johnson, Mathews, R. Eddy, Rahmlow, Olson and J. Eddy were present.  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 May 6, 2008 Council meeting.  Motion carried.

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CITIZENS IN ATTENDANCE

Several property owners along the Black River above the dam requested the City establish a no-wake zone in the City Limits between the dam and the I-94 bridge. Some boats and personal watercraft have been creating waves which cause damage to their boats, docks and shoreline. Some are also very noisy. The City will post current boating regulations at the City boat landing. The matter will be further discussed at the June 18, 2008 Public Safety Committee meeting at 8:00 P.M.

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

It was moved by Alderperson Rahmlow, seconded by Alderperson J. Eddy to approve the Public Works Committee report of May 21, 2008. Motion carried.  

The Public Safety Committee met at City Hall in the City of Black River Falls on May 21, 2008 at 8:00 P.M.  Alderpersons Rahmlow, Austin, Mathews, R. Eddy and Olson were present.

1. Barb Brower, Executive Director of the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce, reviewed the plan for the 5K and 10K run in conjunction with the Karner Blue Butterfly Festival. They are adding a half-marathon which continues out of the City on Spaulding Road to East and West Kenyon Roads.

2. It was moved by Alderperson Mathews, seconded by Alderperson Olson to approve the plans for the Chamber road races as above. Motion carried.