Special Common Council Meeting

The Common Council met in special session at City Hall in the City of Black River Falls on November 20, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. Alderpersons Gearing-Lancaster, Wussow, Ammann, Peloquin, E. Rave, Dougherty, and Busse were present. Alderperson M. Rave attended remotely via Zoom meetings. Mayor J. Eddy presided. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ It was moved by Alderperson Peloquin, seconded by Alderperson Gearing-Lancaster to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the November 6, 2024 Common Council meeting and approve as presented. Motion carried. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ CITIZENS IN ATTENDANCE There were 3 citizens in attendance – 2 in person and 1 via Zoom meetings. Tim Knopps expressed his opinion regarding the City’s recent abatement of his property at 20 East Jefferson Street. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ Mayor Eddy opened the public hearing on the proposed 2025 City Operating and Capital Budgets. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ 2025 proposed budget highlights included $90,550 increase to the levy for EMS which is new in 2025, $25,000 increase in Aquatic Center levy from $70,000 to $95,000, $10,000 decrease in shared-ride taxi levy from $85,000 to $75,000 and a 24% decrease ($140,500) in the capital budget from $561,000 to $420,500. There were no comments or objections from citizens in attendance. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ It was moved by Alderperson Wussow, seconded by Alderperson Ammann to close the public hearing. Motion carried at 6:07 pm ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ It was moved by Alderperson Wussow, seconded by Alderperson Dougherty to approve the 2025 City Operating and Capital budgets as presented and set the levy at $2,312,696. Motion carried. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ It was moved by Alderperson Dougherty, seconded by Alderperson Gearing-Lancaster to approve the 2025 Fire Department EMS Division budget as presented. Motion carried. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ The Department Head monthly reports were reviewed. Department heads present were Darryl Nelson, Jarod Meyer, Jody Stoker, Travis Brown, Cara Hart, and Brad Chown. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ The Police Chief advised a new hire will be starting soon, but will need to complete 16 weeks of training before being on his own. This leaves 1 full-time patrol officer vacancy. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ The Fire Chief thanked the Council and everyone involved for the new 100-foot platform truck the Fire Department was able to purchase. It is an amazing piece of equipment and will serve the City well for a long time. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ It was moved by Alderperson Busse, seconded by Alderperson Gearing-Lancaster to approve RESOLUTION 2024-07 – a resolution supporting proposed renovations to facilities at Marks Field. Motion carried. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ CITY OF BLACK RIVER FALLS RESOLUTION 2024-07 A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PROPOSED RENOVATIONS TO FACILITITES AT MARKS FIELDS IN THE CITY OF BLACK RIVER FALLS, JACKSON COUNTY, WISCONSIN WHEREAS, the Jackson County Little League organization wishes to replace the existing concession stand and rest rooms at Marks Field; and, WHEREAS the Jackson County Little League organization also wishes to add a playground area at Marks Field; and, WHEREAS the estimated cost for this project will be between $500,000 and $800,000; and, WHEREAS, the Jackson County Little League organization has committed to raising the funds necessary to complete the project; and, WHEREAS, the Jackson County Little League organization has committed to covering the cost related to initial design and cost estimating; and, Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, the fundraising efforts will include the establishment of a maintenance fund designated specifically for the new amenities at Marks Field; and, WHEREAS, the new facilities would be constructed on City property and become City assets upon completion; and, WHEREAS, the City of Black River Falls will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the new facilities after completion; and, WHEREAS, the City of Black River Falls believes the renovated space will better serve the Mark’s Field area and surrounding neighborhoods; and, WHEREAS, the City of Black River Falls believes the renovated space may be conducive to additional shelter rental opportunities for the Parks & Recreation Department; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Black River Falls City Council hereby supports Jackson County Little League’s plans to replace the existing concession stand and rest rooms with one new combined building and the group’s plans to add a playground to the Marks Fields area. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ It was moved by Alderperson Dougherty, seconded by Alderperson E. Rave to approve the Assessor Maintenance Contract for 2025-2027 as presented. Motion carried. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ It was moved by Alderperson Dougherty, seconded by Alderperson Peloquin to approve vouchers for October 2024 Check #74656 - #74783 totaling $592,712.81. Motion carried. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ It was moved by Alderperson Wussow, seconded by Alderperson Gearing-Lancaster to approve the City Treasurer’s Report for October 2024. Motion carried. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ It was moved by Alderperson Ammann, seconded by Alderperson Dougherty to approve the Revenue & Expense Report for October 2024. Motion carried. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ It was moved by Alderperson Peloquin, seconded by Alderperson E. Rave to adjourn. Motion carried at 6:34pm. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ A. Brad Chown City Administrator Page 2 of 2