Utility Advisory Board
Regular MeetingRiver Falls, WI · July 20, 2026
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Agenda
CITY OF RIVER FALLS WISCONSIN
UTILITY ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA
CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS
JULY 20, 2026
The public may view/listen to the meeting by:
• Calling Toll Free:1-844-992-4726, access code: 2634 373 6498 event password: 456789
• Visiting the web link: https://tinyurl.com/RFUAB72026
• Viewing the City’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/cityofriverfalls
Call Meeting to Order: 6:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Approval of Minutes: June 15, 2026
ACTION MAY BE TAKEN ON ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS
PUBLIC COMMENT, PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Public Comment
NEW BUSINESS:
2. Resolution Recommending Purchase Approval of Whitetail Ridge Corporate Park Street
Lighting
3. Resolution Recommending Approval of Addition of a RG-3 Optional Residential Rate
REPORTS:
4. Finance Report
5. Utility Dashboards
6. Monthly Utility Report
7. Utility Director’s Report
ADJOURNMENT:
Council members may be in attendance for informational purposes only.
No official Council action will be taken.
NOTE: Any person who has a qualifying disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act that requires the
meeting or materials to be in an accessible location or format, may contact City Clerk Amy White at (715) 426-3408
or in person at 222 Lewis Street, for accommodations. Requests for accommodations should be made at least three
(3) business days in advance of the meeting. Every effort will be made to arrange accommodations.
Posted at City Hall: 07/01/2026; Published: The Pierce County Journal: 07/8/2026
1
CITY OF RIVER FALLS
UTILITY ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 15, 2026
The meeting was called to order by Utility Advisory Board (UAB) Chair Chris Lick at 6:30 p.m.
The pledge of allegiance was said.
Utility Advisory Board Present: Amber Bjork, Mark Klecker, Chris Lick and Rose Walker
Utility Advisory Board Absent: Tim Thum
Staff Present: Utility Director Kevin Westhuis; Water/Wastewater Superintendent Bradley Vick;
Electric Operations Superintendent Wayne Siverling; Public Works Manager Erica Ellefson;
Executive Assistant Lanae Nelson and IT Technician Joe Reardon
Approval of Minutes:
Meeting Minutes: 05-18-2026
MSC Klecker/Walker approved minutes. Unanimous.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
William Hansen, N8723 1025 Street spoke on the Junction Falls Hydroelectric Dam, the 2020
flood, hydroelectric generation, drawdown of Powell Falls and the draining of Lake Louise.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ord. No. 2012-01, § 1, 1-24-2012; Ord. No. 2018-12, § 1, 8-28-2018
Utility Director Westhuis introduced annual election of the Utility Advisory Board Chair and Vice
Chair offices.
MS Bjork/Klecker nominated Chris Lick for Board Chair. Motion passed unanimously;
Chris Lick was elected Chair.
MS Klecker/Walker nominated Amber Bjork for Vice Chair. Motion passed unanimously;
Amber Bjork was elected Vice Chair.
Resolution 2026 – 04 Recommending Wastewater Treatment Plant 2025 Compliance
Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR)
Water/Wastewater Superintendent Vick presented the 2025 CMAR, the annual self-evaluation
of the City’s wastewater treatment system submitted to the Wisconsin DNR. He reviewed plant
performance metrics, treatment capacity, and system improvements. The Wastewater
Treatment Plant received a perfect score of 4.0.
MSC Bjork/Walker moved to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously.
Resolution 2026 – 05 Recommending Bid for the 2026 Directional Boring Contract
Electric Operations Superintendent Siverling presented the annual directional boring project
included in the Capital Improvement Plan. Seven bids were received, with A1 Power, LLC
submitting the lowest responsible bid of $706,625.
MSC Klecker/Bjork moved to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously.
2
Resolution 2026 – 06 Recommending Purchase Approval of Paulson Road Street Lights
Siverling presented the proposed purchase of Lumac street-light poles and luminaries for
Paulson Road as part of the City’s CIP and TID improvements. Replacing aging infrastructure is
expected to reduce future maintenance costs and prevent emergency repairs. Two quotes were
received, with Border States submitting the lowest quote of $269,990.
MSC Walker/Klecker moved to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously.
REPORTS:
Finance Report
Public Works Manager Ellefson reviewed the financial reports included in the meeting packet.
Utility Dashboards
Westhuis reviewed utility performance dashboards.
Monthly Report
Utility reports for May 2026 were included in the meeting packet.
Utility Director’s Report
Update provided on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Biosolids Dryer project.
Thanked customer service staff for assisting customers facing service disconnection.
River Falls Parade is July 10, and the City of River Falls will have a float.
Community Appreciation Event is August 5 at the City Hall Plaza.
ADJOURNMENT:
MSC Bjork/Walker to adjourn. Motion caried unanimously. UAB Chair Lick adjourned the
meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Executive Assistant Lanae Nelson
3
#2
MEMORANDUM
TO: Utility Advisory Board
FROM: Wayne Siverling, Electric Operations Superintendent
DATE: July 20, 2026
TITLE: RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING PURCHASE APPROVAL OF WHITETAIL
RIDGE CORPORATE PARK STREET LIGHTING
_____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommend approval of a resolution recommending that the City Council authorize the purchase
of Lumec street-light poles and luminaires from Border States to replace the existing street-
lighting infrastructure along Whitetail Ridge Corporate Park Street in the amount of $162,288 and
authorize the City Administrator to execute all documents necessary to complete the purchase.
BACKGROUND
Several street-light poles within the City of River Falls have deteriorated due to age, corrosion,
weather exposure, and normal wear. Continued deterioration increases the risk of structural
failure, service interruptions, and escalating maintenance costs. Replacing these poles will
improve system reliability, enhance public safety, reduce maintenance requirements, and ensure
compliance with current engineering and electrical standards.
Whitetail Ridge Corporate Park has experienced increased activity due to business growth,
extended operating hours, and an increase in employees and visitors. While the existing street-
lighting system has adequately served the area in the past,
portions of the corporate park are now inadequately
illuminated because of aging fixtures, changing traffic
patterns, and expanded parking and pedestrian areas.
Insufficient lighting reduces visibility, increases the
potential for vehicle and pedestrian accidents, and raises
security concerns for those using the area after dark.
Upgrading the street-lighting system will create a safer,
more secure, and more welcoming environment while
supporting the City's commitment to public safety,
economic development, and operational excellence.
Figures 1 & 2: Current Street lighting & future street lighting.
DISCUSSION
River Falls Municipal Utilities (RFMU) recommends issuing a purchase order to Border States of
4
Memorandum to Utility Advisory Board
July 20, 2026
Page 2
Rochester, MN, for Lumec street-light poles and luminaires to replace the existing street-lighting
infrastructure within Whitetail Ridge Corporate Park. This project represents the first phase of a
multi-year effort to replace aging street-lighting infrastructure throughout the corporate park.
Staff has identified several street-light poles exhibiting significant deterioration, including
corrosion, material degradation, and structural wear resulting from age and environmental
exposure. Although routine maintenance has extended the useful life of these assets, continued
repairs are becoming increasingly costly and no longer address the underlying condition of the
infrastructure.
An assessment of the corporate park also found that several roadways, parking areas, pedestrian
walkways, and building entrances have inadequate lighting, particularly during evening and early
morning hours. These conditions reduce visibility for motorists and pedestrians, increase the risk
of slips, trips, falls, and vehicle accidents, and create opportunities for theft, vandalism, and other
security incidents. Improved lighting will enhance safety while increasing employees' and visitors'
sense of security.
Replacing the existing poles and luminaires will improve the reliability and longevity of the City's
street-lighting system. The new infrastructure will provide greater structural integrity, reduce
service interruptions, lower ongoing maintenance costs, and meet current engineering, electrical,
and safety standards. While the project requires initial capital investment, the long-term benefits,
including improved public safety, enhanced security, reduced operating costs, and a more
attractive business environment, are expected to outweigh the implementation costs. The new
streetlights will closely resemble the new lights in Mann Valley Corporate Park.
Staff solicited quotations from multiple vendors and received responses from Border States and
Stuart C. Irby. Border States submitted the lowest responsive and responsible quotation and is
familiar with the City's existing street-lighting system through its established working relationship
with RFMU.
Company Quote
Border States $162,288
Stuart C. Irby $172,850
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The total project cost is $162,288. Funding is available within the approved Fiscal Year 2026
Electric Utility Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for street-lighting improvements. The project
is consistent with the City's planned infrastructure maintenance and replacement program.
Completing this project at this time is expected to reduce future maintenance and repair costs
associated with aging infrastructure while minimizing the potential for emergency expenditures
resulting from street-light pole failures.
Sources Amount Uses Amount
Electric Utility Fund $162,288 Lumec Street Lighting $162,288
Total Sources $162,288 Total Uses $162,288
5
Memorandum to Utility Advisory Board
July 20, 2026
Page 3
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the Utility Advisory Board approve a resolution recommending that
the City Council authorize the purchase of Lumec street-light poles and luminaires for the
Whitetail Ridge Corporate Park from Border States in the amount of $162,288 and
authorize the City Administrator to execute all necessary documents related to the
purchase.
Enc:
Border States Quote
6
Quote Page: 1 of 1
_____________________________________________
Quote: 28542216
Sold-To Acct #: 5144
Valid From: 06/08/2026 To: 06/15/2026
PO No: Lumac poles different variety
PO Date: 06/08/2026
Border States - RCH Payment Terms: NET 25TH PROX (31)
100 Carlton Street SW
Rochester MN 55902 Created By: Easton H Knealing
Phone: 507-280-4670 Tel No:
Fax No:
RIVER FALLS MUNICIPAL UTILITIES Inco Terms:
222 LEWIS ST STE 228 PPA PREPAID & ALLOW FREIGHT
RIVER FALLS WI 54022-2190
Ship-to:
RIVER FALLS MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
950 BENSON ST
RIVER FALLS WI 54022
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cust Item Item Material Quantity Price Per UoM Value
MFG - Description
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
000010 15 EA 10,792.00 / 1 EA 161,880.00
- DMS50-70W64LED4K-G3-LE3S-240-DMG-SP2
LEAD TIME 14 WEEKS
000020 1 EA 408.79 / 1 EA 408.79
- STT-611 MULTI COLOR CHARGE
LEAD TIME 14 WEEKS
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total $ 162,288.79
State Tax $ 0.000 % 0.00
County Tax $ 0.000 % 0.00
Local Tax $ 0.000 % 0.00
Other Tax1 $ 0.000 % 0.00
Other Tax2 $ 0.000 % 0.00
Other Tax3 $ 0.000 % 0.00
Tax Subtotal $ 0.000 % 0.00
Net Amount $ 162,288.79
To access Border States Terms and Conditions of Sale, please go to
https://www.borderstates.com
The quoted sales tax is an estimate only based upon the information
provided in this quote and will be finalized at the time of Invoice
based upon the material purchased, quantity purchased, and delivery
location.
Shipping and handling fees in this quote are an estimate only and will
be finalized at the time of Invoice.
All clerical errors contained herein are subject to correction. In the event of any cost or price
increases from manufacturers or other suppliers, caused by, but not limited to, currency fluctuations,
raw material or labor prices, fuel or transportation cost increases, and any import tariffs, taxes,
fees, or surcharges, Border States reserves the exclusive right to change its pricing at the time of
shipping and will provide notice of any such change to its customers prior to costs being incurred.
7
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING PURCHASE APPROVAL OF WHITETAIL RIDGE
CORPORATE PARK STREET LIGHTING
WHEREAS, the City of River Falls Utility Advisory Board recommends that the River Falls
Common Council approve the purchase of a Lumec street-light poles and luminaires from
Border States; and
WHEREAS, Border States has submitted a quote for the purchase of the Lumec street-light
poles and luminaires; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan includes funding in the amount of $314,000 for
the Whitetail Ridge Corporate Street Lighting project; and
WHEREAS, Border States has submitted a quote in the amount of $162,288; and
WHEREAS, Electric Department staff have reviewed the quote and determined it to be
acceptable; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of River Falls Utility Advisory Board that it
hereby recommends that the River Falls Common Council authorize the City Administrator to
purchase Lumec street-light poles and luminaires from Border States in the amount of
$162,288.
Dated 20th day of July 2026.
Chris Lick, Board Chair
ATTEST:
Amy White, City Clerk
8
#3
MEMORANDUM
TO: Utility Advisory Board
FROM: Jenna Willi, WPPI Energy Services Manager
DATE: July 20, 2026
TITLE: RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF ADDITION OF A RG-3
OPTIONAL RESIDENTIAL RATE
_____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommend approval of adding a Rg-3 optional time of use rate for utility rate options for
residential customers.
BACKGROUND
River Falls Municipal Utilities currently offers one optional time of use residential rate (the Rg-2
rate) for customers to consider. This rate encourages customers to shift their energy use to off-
peak hours (overnights and weekends) by charging less for energy used during that time.
Conversely, energy used during peak hours costs customers more per kWh.
For comparison, a customer on the standard rate (Rg-1), pays $0.1257/kWh for all energy
consumed. A customer on the Rg-2 time of use rate pays $0.2065/kWh during on-peak hours
(8am to 8pm on weekdays), and $0.0815/kWh for energy used during off-peak hours. Customers
who elect to move to the Rg-2 rate must stay on the
rate for at least one year before moving back to the
standard rate. Customers opting to be on the Rg-2
rate are currently annually notified by letter if the rate
continues to benefit them.
Because of the utility’s integration of AMI meters,
there is an annual analysis run to identify those
customers that would potentially benefit from
switching to the Rg-2 rate. They are currently
notified via letter of this option and potential savings.
Customers also have access to MyAccount, which
provides a “Compare your rate options” tool that
allows them to analyze if the Rg-2 optional rate
might benefit them. The image provided is a
snapshot of that tool.
9
Memorandum to Utility Advisory Board
July 20, 2026
Page 2
RG-3 RATE OPTION
The Rg-3 rate would be an additional optional rate for residential customers to consider. It is a 3-
tier time of use rate that is friendly to customers that charge electric vehicles at home, as it is
designed to manage EV load in a practical, low-cost way. Rg-3 encourages customers to charge
their vehicles between midnight-5 am, when system costs are lowest. This lowers wholesale costs
and reduces stress on the distribution system. By adopting Rg-3 and enrolling customers with
EVs on this rate, the utility can expect to save money on their wholesale bills compared to what
wholesale costs would be if EV drivers remain on a standard residential rate. This wholesale cost
savings is a benefit to all customers (not just EV drivers).
It’s also simple for customers. They can program their vehicle to charge overnight and save about
$200/year without making additional changes to their use. It’s also good to note that this rate may
be friendly to non-EV customers as well, depending on their energy use and schedules. All
customers would have the ability to switch to the Rg-3 rate, and it would be an option to explore
in the MyAccount comparison tool. Communications and connections with customers that would
benefit from optional rates (Rg-2 or Rg-3) would continue to be a focus for the utility.
The City of River Falls is a good candidate for adopting an Rg-3 rate option, as the utility peaks
during the Rg-3 on-peak window (between 3:00-7:00 PM). There are also a good number of
registered EV users in town, indicating substantial savings potential not just EV customers, but
the utility as well, benefiting all customers with the potential wholesale savings.
FINANCIAL CONSDERATIONS
The only cost to the utility to add the Rg-3 rate option would be the cost to file with the Public
Service Commission. WPPI is currently working on a group filing with several other members that
will reduce this cost for River Falls Municipal Utilities if they join that submission.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommend that the Utility Advisory Board approve a resolution recommending that the City
Council approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute all necessary documents related
to having the River Falls Municipal Utilities move forward with the addition of the Rg-3 optional
time of use rate to residential rate options.
10
Rg-3 Optional
Residential Rate
Jenna Willi
Energy Services Manager
11
Background
12
EV adoption is exceeding prior projections
3,100 Battery Powered EVs
wppienergy.org 3 13
EV Growth = Risk + Opportunity
• Adoption is already material in Bookend Analysis
WPPI communities
• EV charging can… Business as Usual:
Variety of charging
➢Raise costs if clustered during behavior
peak
➢Create system value if shifted to
low-cost hours Worst Case (risk): Best Case (benefit):
All vehicles charge at Charging shifted to
most critical time super-off peak
wppienergy.org 4 14
What is the Rg-3 rate?
wppienergy.org 5 15
Current Residential Rates
• Rg-1 (standard rate)
➢$0.1257/kWh
• Rg-2 (optional time of use rate)
➢Also called “Nights and Weekends Rate”
➢On-peak rate: $0.2065/kWh
➢Off-peak rate: $0.0815/kWh
wppienergy.org 6 16
What is the Rg-3 rate?
• An optional three-tier time of use residential rate
➢ On-Peak Hours: 3:00-7:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday, excluding major holidays)
➢ Off-Peak Hours:12:00-5:00 a.m. (every day)
➢ Standard: all other hours
$$$
Standard
Rg-1 rate
$$ $$
$
12 am 5 am 3 pm 7 pm 12 am
wppienergy.org 7 17
Why adopt Rg-3?
wppienergy.org 8 18
Who benefits?
Customer RFMU All Members
By charging overnight Reduce wholesale WPPI sees lower energy
the average EV driver will energy and demand and capacity costs, which
save >$200/year costs by shifting load to reduces costs for all
compared to the super-off peak members
standard rate
Better utilize existing
distribution equipment
wppienergy.org 9 19
Which members should consider Rg-3?
• Members that peak during the Rg-3 on-peak window
(3:00-7:00 p.m.)
➢Opportunity for the most wholesale savings
• Members with more EV owners
➢EV registration data indicates substantial savings potential
• Members with AMI meters
wppienergy.org 10 20
Customers and Rg-3
wppienergy.org 11 21
EV Customer Perspective
• The average EV driver can save >$200/year
• It’s easy to program EV to charge at a
specific time through
➢Vehicle
➢Mobile App
➢Home EV charger
• Customers on Rg-3 can still charge at any
time (it’ll just cost more)
wppienergy.org 12 22
Non-EV Customer Perspective
• Rate is cost based, not a subsidy
➢Rg-3 customers pay less when they use power that costs less to provide
• Shifting EV charging away from expensive hours reduces average
wholesale costs, benefiting all customers
wppienergy.org 13 23
Final Considerations and
Questions
wppienergy.org 14 24
Thank you!
25
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF ADDITION OF A RG-3 OPTIONAL
RESIDENTIAL RATE
WHEREAS, the City of River Falls and River Falls Municipal Electric Utility have identified the
Rg-3 Optional Rate as a beneficial addition to our rate options for residential customers; and
WHEREAS, the proposed optional rate introduces a 3-tier time of use rate designed to
encourage high load use, like EV charging, to shift to overnight (midnight to 5 AM), when
system costs are lowest; and
WHEREAS, this shift can help provide a savings benefit to all customers (not just EV owners),
as the load shift helps lower wholesale costs and reduces stress on the distribution system for
the utility during system peak times; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of River Falls Utility Advisory Board that it
hereby recommends that the River Falls Common Council authorize the City Administrator to
move forward with the application for the utility to adopt the optional Rg-3 rate.
Dated 20th day of July, 2026.
Chris Lick, Board Chair
ATTEST:
Amy White, City Clerk
26
FOCUS ON ENERGY
PROGRAM DASHBOARD
INCENTIVES PAID – THROUGH JULY 1, 2026
$290,001
INCENTIVES BY PROGRAM
HOMES Assessment Incentives $500
Trade Ally Solutions - Renewable Rewards
$600
Residential
Business & Industry $6,444
Direct to Customer $7,473
Trade Ally Solutions $9,725
HEAR (Home Electrification and Appliance
$17,809
Rebates) $248,449
Schools & Government
ANNUAL KWH BY PROGRAM *
Trade Ally Solutions 6,460
13,369
Direct to Customer
Trade Ally Solutions - Renewable
16,860
Rewards Residential
Business & Industry 67,853
1,629,889
Schools & Government
*HOMES and HEAR program assessments and incentives are reflect no kWh savings (due to assessment only or electrification)
Key Statistics
202 Customers Participating
428 kW Reduced
1,734,428 kWh Savings (First Year)
27
GREEN BLOCKS
PROGRAM DASHBOARD
BLOCKS PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
THROUGH MAY 2026
BLOCKS SOLD AND PARTICIPATION IN 2026
2026 Renewable Energy Block 2026 Renewable Energy Block
Participation 2026 Renewable Energy Block Participation
Participation (%) # of customers
Month # of blocks purchased Month
Monthly participating
Month
January 3,541 Participation January 1,277
February 3,535 January 16.4% February 1,234
March 3,540 February 15.8% March 1,246
April 3,543 March 16.0% April 1,258
May 3,547 April 16.1% May 1,240
June May 15.9% June
July June 0.0% July
August July 0.0% August
September August 0.0% September
October September 0.0% October
November October 0.0% November
December November 0.0% December
Average 3,541 December 0.0% Average 1,251
*Please note – the total number of RFMU customers in this report was updated using most recent PSC data, which altered the
percentage totals of participation. It differs from last month’s report due to that update.
Key Statistics
1,240 Customers Participating
5,311,800 kWh of Green Energy Purchased
28
RFMU EFFICIENCY
PROGRAMS UPDATE
UTILITY PROGRAM PARTICIPATION 2026 REPORT
TOTAL INCENTIVES GIVEN AS OF JULY 1, 2026
Program # of Customers Total
Participating Incentives
Business Programs
2 $517
(Focus on Energy Match)
Residential Efficiency
Program (Focus on Energy 0 -
Match)
Electrification of Landscape
10 $1,195
Equipment
Home Energy
11 $5,581
Assessments/Improvements
Solar Program 0 -
Electric Vehicle Charging
4 $1,740
Program
Smart Thermostat/Central
2 $100
Air Tune Up
Tree Power 0 -
TOTAL: 29 $9,133
29
RFMU
Monthly Report
30
River Falls Municipal Utilities June 2026
Electric
Department
Wayne Siverling, Dan Treichel, Tim Wiste, Jeremy Holschuh, Cody Kruger,
Electric Operations Lead Journeyman Lead Journeyman Journeyman Lineworker Journeyman Lineworker
Superintendent Lineworker Lineworker
Pat Oja, Jeff Ploeger, Logan Snyder, Zachary Kuechenmeister, Virgil Johnson,
Journeyman Lineworker Journeyman Lineworker Journeyman Lineworker Journeyman Lineworker Apprentice Electric Meter Technician
Projects
System Maintenance
Maintenance repairs were completed based on issues identified during required system inspections.
Substation Inspections
Monthly substation inspections were completed.
Junction Falls Monitoring
Junction Falls is inspected daily.
Underground Services
Underground service installations continue on a weekly and monthly basis. More than 20 new customers were connected last
month.
Meter Reading
Monthly meter readings continue as scheduled.
Junction Falls Hydro
Junction Falls Hydro is inspected daily. The hydro facility was shut down this month to complete minor maintenance. Our
annual on-site FERC inspection was also completed last month.
Service Orders
Miscellaneous service orders included tree trimming around service wires and streetlight repairs.
Power Outages
There were seven outages this month, affecting 55 customers.
Brookgreen Townhomes Project
Work began on the Brookgreen Townhomes project update. Crews are completing service work as requested to energize
the remaining buildings. Building #10 was energized this month, with three buildings remaining.
Sycamore II Project
Work remains on hold, including the installation of new primary underground facilities and electrical service for the new
building.
Fire Hall Project
Installation of the permanent electrical service is scheduled for later this fall.
Pole Replacement Program
Pole replacement continues throughout the city. Crews have begun replacing poles installed in the 1940s that have passed
inspections but are being proactively replaced due to their age. This work continued throughout the month.
SkyCoat Project
Electrical infrastructure was relocated to accommodate the SkyCoat project.
31
River Falls Municipal Utilities June 2026 PG 01
Water/Wastewater
Department
Bradley VIck, Tim Rixmann, Joe Curran, Todd Decker, David Paynotta,
Water / Wastewater Lead Water / Wastewater Water / Wastewater Water / Wastewater Water / Wastewater
Superintendent Operator Operator Operator Operator
Josh Penovich, Thomas Polkoski, Dean Seemuth, Brent Wiersma, Bill Swenson,
Water / Wastewater Water / Wastewater Water / Wastewater Water / Wastewater Wastewater
Operator Operator Operator Operator Operator
Projects:
Staffing & Training
Weekly utility staff meeting.
Heat safety review and exam at bi-weekly staff meeting.
Bradley, Josh, and Dean completed confined space and hearing conservation training.
Attended UAB meeting, Water/WW Team Strengths session, management training, and annual fire extinguisher/HazCom
refresher.
Operations & Maintenance
Repaired chlorine regulators and injectors at Well Houses 4 and 6.
Reviewed CIP projects and impact fee spreadsheets.
Continued sludge disposal through Waste Management while West Central Bio Solids remains unavailable.
Continued meter change-outs.
Restored normal operation at North Tower after Cla-Val issue.
Replaced failed Spring Creek lift station transducer; replacement ordered.
Projects & Inspections
BCR conducting dryer pilot testing; ongoing coordination meetings.
Completed Valley View Apartments water and sewer connection.
Optimized sludge processing for BCR dryer testing.
Awaiting MH1101 rehabilitation quotes.
Continued manhole rehabilitation, meter change-outs, televising, service line potholing, and valve exercising.
Scheduled Cascade hydrant replacement and held SCADA/Skycoat review meetings.
Compliance & Reporting
Submitted 2025 CMAR, eDMR, and eMOR.
Submitted Lead Service Line certification documents; awaiting DNR review.
Continued planning for 2027–2028 sewer lining project.
Sent three hydrant flushing contracts.
Public Outreach & Engagement
Participated in the River Falls Chamber Golf Outing.
Upcoming & Ongoing Work
Cold storage cleaning and organization.
Cascade Avenue hydrant replacement.
Sewer televising and cleaning.
Service line potholing.
Hydrant flushing after July 13.
Cross-connection inspections by General Engineering Company.
32
River Falls Municipal Utilities June 2026 PG 02
Customer Service
Department
Amy White, Cindy Campbell, Wendy Tokheim,
City Clerk Customer Service Lead Customer Service / Billing Clerk
Jackie Sahnow, Theresa Folak, Brenda Rundle,
Customer Service Customer Service Customer Service
Billing Clerk Representative Representative
Projects
Disconnection Process
Disconnection notices were sent on June 5 to 185 residential customers and 13 businesses with past-due balances of $250.00
or more.
Outbound reminder calls were made to 157 customers on June 10.
As a final form of communication prior to disconnection, 31 text messages and 2 personal phone calls were made on June 12.
A total of 6 service disconnections occurred on June 15, with 1 additional disconnection on June 16 due to failure to comply
with a payment arrangement.
45 payment arrangements were in place on June 15 to help customers avoid disconnection and provide additional time to pay
past-due utility balances.
Water Department Service Requests
Customer Service scheduled 27 service requests for the Water Department.
Requests included:
Dropping off new water meters
Exchanging existing water meters
Turning off water service to accommodate repairs
33
River Falls Municipal Utilities June 2026 PG 03
Engineering Tech
Work
Tamarra Jaworski,
Engineering Technician
& GIS Mapper
Projects
Asset Mapping
Mapped 25 AMI meter changes.
Attached additional sanitary sewer videos and field reports to the mapping system.
Inspections and Drafting
Inspected and drafted one new home lateral.
Inspected and drafted one water service replacement.
Equipment and Technical Support
Resolved Leica GPS issues.
Assisted the B&M locating crew.
GPS and Mapping Projects
Ongoing
Continued GPS data collection and mapping for the Wildflower Subdivision.
Began GPS data collection for Skycoat.
Completed
Completed GPS data collection and mapping for Sterling Ponds Industrial 2.
Completed GPS data collection and mapping for Our Neighbors Place.
Completed GPS data collection and mapping for Valley View Apartments – Mann Valley.
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River Falls Municipal Utilities June 2026 PG 04
RFMU & WPPI Energy
Programs
Jenna Willi,
WPPI Energy
Service Manager
Projects
Incentive Programs and Green Blocks
Total RFMU Program participation (as of July 1, 2026)
29 customers received $9,133 in incentives
Total River Falls Focus on Energy Participation (as of May 28, 2026)
202 customers received $290,001 in incentives
Green Blocks Update –
May had 3,547 blocks purchased by 1,240 customers
5,311,800 kWh of renewable energy purchased in 2026.
RFMU Incentive Program Materials Update and Refresh
The marketing materials for all of RFMU’s programs have been updated. The new design is for customers to engage
with, more standard to make processing easier for utility staff, and is ADA compliant.
Upcoming Events of Interest
July 23 – WPPI Executive Committee Meeting
October 8 – Orientation to WPPI
Members are invited to attend this educational program about your joint action agency. Through staff
presentations, attendees will learn more about the three functions of WPPI: power supply, government relations
and support services. This half-day educational program is optimal for new utility staff and governing body
members, but suitable for all member representatives. Included in the program is a tour of WPPI’s Systems
Operation Center. Please contact me with any questions or if you are interested.
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River Falls Municipal Utilities June 2026 PG 05
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