Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole met at City Hall in the City of Black River Falls on June 19, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. Alderpersons Gearing-Lancaster, Ammann, and Peloquin were present. Alderpersons E. Rave, Olson, and Dougherty attended remotely via Zoom meetings. Alderpersons Wussow and M. Rave were excused. Mayor Jay Eddy presided. 1. There was one citizen in attendance. Jan Rousey addressed the Committee with a request that the City stop using Round-up to kill weeds. He referenced lawsuits in other communities linked to the use of Round-up and indicated all the bees in one of his two bee hives died last year and he believes it was linked to the spraying of weeds. Mayor Eddy indicated the City would look to see if there might be a more environmentally friendly option. Mr. Rousey recommended using a torch. Mr. Rousey also shared that the School District had erected a sign and a gate on a 40-acre parcel that the city owns ¼ of. The School District has agreed to remove the sign and gate and the land will be open to the public for hunting and fishing. 2. There were no updates on the County jail / justice center project. 3. The Department Head monthly reports were reviewed. Department heads present were Darryl Nelson, Jarod Meyer, Jody Stoker, Travis Brown, Cara Hart, and Brad Chown. 4. The Police Chief advised the supplemental report looks a little different because they recently switched over to a new reporting software. He is hoping they can add additional data to future supplemental reports to include information that appeared on past reports. 5. It was moved by Alderperson Ammann, seconded by Alderperson Peloquin to approve the Police Department’s request to fill a vacant full-time Patrol Officer position. Motion carried. 6. It was moved by Alderperson Gearing-Lancaster, seconded by Alderperson Olson to approve the Police Department’s request to sell the 2016 Ford F-150 patrol truck. Motion carried. 7. The Parks & Recreation Director advised Neuman Pools believes they have located the source of the leak. They are working on the repair which should be complete tomorrow morning and then the pool will be filled. Hope this is the solution and hope we can be open for the season. 8. The Fire Chief advised they have two new hires working through training. 9. The Street Superintendent advised the salt shed doors were damaged during a recent storm. The cost to rebuild the doors is $2,900. This is an insurance claim and our deductible is $1,000. They plan to shore it up to prevent future damage. Also, Municipal Utilities submitted their plans to the DNR so now there is a 4-30 day turn around time for approval. Street work will begin once approval is received. 10. It was moved by Alderperson Ammann, seconded by Alderperson Gearing-Lancaster to approve the vouchers for May 2024 Check #73980 - #74111 totaling $318,149.13. Motion carried. 11. It was moved by Alderperson Gearing-Lancaster, seconded by Alderperson Olson to approve the City Treasurer’s Report for May 2024. Motion carried. 12. It was moved by Alderperson Dougherty, seconded by Alderperson Peloquin to approve the Revenue & Expense Reports for May 2024. Motion carried. 13. It was moved by Alderperson Olson, seconded by Alderperson Peloquin to adjourn. Motion carried at 6:39pm. A Brad Chown City Administrator Page 1 of 1