On the agenda: River Falls meeting — Flock Safety (Oct 27)

COMMON COUNCIL AGENDA
October 27, 2026
The public may view/listen to the meeting by:
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 – October 13th, 2026, Council Meeting, October 13, 2026, Budget Workshop Meeting
Approval of Bills: $
PUBLIC COMMENT, PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Public Comment If you are unable to attend the meeting in person but would like to submit a comment,
please e-mail to the City Clerk’s office ([email protected])
PUBLIC HEARING
2. Resolution Authorizing Special Assessment Police Powers Under Section 66.0703 Wisconsin Statutes
for the Benefit of the River Falls Business Improvement District.
3. First Reading: Ordinance 2026-18 Appropriating the Necessary Funds for the Operation of the
Government and Administration of the City of River Falls Wisconsin for the Year 2027
CONSENT AGENDA
4. Board of Commission Committee Minutes
a. BID Board
b. Park and Recreation Advisory Board
c. Plan Commission
d. Library Board
e. Police and Fire Commission
f. Utility Advisory Board
5. Resolution Approving the 2027 Health and Dental Insurance Renewal
6. Resolution Approving Yard Waste Site Grinding Services Contract
7. Resolution Approving Shared Ride Taxi Operating and Capital Grant Application to State of Wisconsin
Department of Transportation for 2027
8. Resolution Approving 2027 Public Transit Lease Agreement with Running, Inc.
9. Resolution Authorizing City Administrator to Negotiate and Approve Reimbursement Agreements
Between City of River Falls and Pierce/St. Croix Counties Regarding Shared Ride Taxi Funds for the
Year 2027
10. Resolution Approving the Acceptance of FY26 Cops Technology and Equipment Program Award
11. Resolution Supporting the Termination of the City’s Agreement with Flock Group Inc, dba Flock Safety
REPORTS
12. Administrator Report
13. Mayor’s Good News

ADJOURNMENT
NOTE: Any person who has a qualifying disability accommodation 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 accommodation should be
made at least three (3) business days in advance of the meeting. Every effort will be made to arrange
accommodation.
Posted at City Hall 10/15/26; Publish: The Pierce County Journal: 10/21/26 Website: 10/22/26

CITY OF RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN
COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
October 13, 2026
Mayor Page called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
City Council Members Present: Mei Mei Abdouch, Todd Bjerstedt, Michael Page, Sean Downing,
Diane Odeen, Rose Walker
City Council Members Absent: Nick Carow
Staff Present: City Administrator Scot Simpson; Deputy City Clerk Jackie Hanson; City Attorney Chris
Gierhart; Chief of Police Gordon Young; Utility Director Kevin Westhuis; Assistant Director of
Community Development Emily Shivley; Community Development Director Amy Peterson; City
Engineer Todd Nickleski; Park and Conservation Manager Brooks Ostendorf; Chief of Staff Jennifer
Smith; Economic Development Manager Keri Schreiner; Public Works Manager Erica Ellefson;
Communications Coordinator Tyler Mason; Assistant to the City Administrator Jason Rohloff; IT
Technician Joe Reardon
The pledge of allegiance was said.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
September 22, 2026 meeting and workshop minutes
MSC Downing/Walker to approve the minutes. Unanimous.
APPROVAL OF BILLS:
MSC Page/Bjerstedt moved to approve the bills. Unanimous.
PUBLIC COMMENT, PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Page – Emphasized respectful dialogue, public involvement, and fact-based discussion to
strengthen democracy and support informed City Council decisions.
Tonya Schmitt – Urged protection of voting rights and election integrity through safeguards against voter
suppression, intimidation, and disruption.
Malachi Schcomer – Encouraged public education and clear communication to address residents’
uncertainty and build confidence in election procedures.
Hal Watson - Commended City leadership and election workers for their service and encouraged
contingency planning and clear communication to address potential election-day disruptions.
Ben Plunkett - Urged the City to maintain and improve public transit and consider living-wage
requirements in future service contracts.
Duane Janisch- Encouraged council members to support the temporary mortarium on data centers.
Alicia Cosgrove - Supported a data center moratorium to protect drinking water and address wastewater
concerns. Also requested clarification on the interceptor project and suggested considering stormwater
improvements.
Michael O’Conner - Supported a data center moratorium due to concerns about infrastructure capacity,
transportation, land use, water resources, emissions, and long-term investment sustainability.
Wendy DiPeso- Urged a temporary data center moratorium to assess environmental impacts, protect
water resources, and evaluate potential economic benefits and risks to local industries and employment
Bridget Faricy - Thanked the City for reconsidering Flock cameras and supported a data center
moratorium to ensure technology and development decisions reflect community needs.
Sy Pittson- Supported reconsideration of Flock cameras and a data center moratorium, citing concerns
about noise, potential health effects, and water contamination.

City Council Minutes for October 13, 2026
Page 2
Julie Noyes- Thanked the City for discontinuing the Flock camera program and urged a data center
moratorium to evaluate infrastructure demands, costs, zoning, and community impacts.
Dana Linscott - Urged the City to collaborate with the River Falls Alliance for the Homeless to address
winter shelter needs and requested transparency regarding future surveillance technology decisions.
Maureen Ash - Raised concerns about potential PFAS-related risks from data center cooling systems
and urged a moratorium to evaluate environmental and public health impacts.
Elizabeth Bowden - Requested clarification on Business Improvement District boundaries and raised
concerns about aging water and sewer infrastructure, lead service lines, and the need for homeowner
assistance and infrastructure investment.
Willaim Hansen - Urged a moratorium on AI data centers to evaluate financial, social, and environmental
impacts, citing concerns about funding and environmental considerations in previous local projects.
Laura Carlson - Questioned whether data centers align with current industrial zoning and recommended
public input, comprehensive plan revisions, and review of potential TID financing before development
proceeds.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Mayor Page closed the Council meeting and opened the public hearing at 7:06 p.m. on the second
reading: Ordinance 2026-04 Amending Title 17 Zoning, Chapter 17.08 (Driveway Regulations)
Alicia Cosgrove acknowledged improvements to the driveway ordinance but raised concerns about
insufficient evaluation of stormwater management, potential PFAS contamination, and sidewalk safety
across residential neighborhoods. They recommended a comprehensive review of these impacts and
consideration of alternative solutions, including assessments for oversized driveways, rather than
requiring existing driveways to be reconstructed.
Bridget Faricy urged the city to consider permeable driveway materials and unpaved options that allow
water to soak into the soil, reducing runoff and environmental impacts. They recommend exploring
these alternatives before approving an ordinance that permits wider driveways and increases paved
surfaces.
Dana Linscott discussed that River Falls has limited residential parking and that driveways help
residents avoid moving their vehicles for routine snow plowing. He hopes the proposed driveway
ordinance will encourage a review of parking regulations and modern communication methods to
reduce unnecessary vehicle movements.
Mayor Page closed the public hearing and reopened the council meeting at 7:11 p.m.
MS Odeen/ Bjerstedt to approve the Ordinance
Councilmember Downing asked whether the City Attorney reviewed the proposed ordinance and
whether it would require property owners to pave their driveways. Attorney Gierhart confirmed the
ordinance was legally reviewed and explained that the Council could allow existing driveways to be
grandfathered while setting a maximum width of 30 feet for residential driveways.
Councilmember Odeen explained that the change would bring existing driveways serving three-car
garages into compliance without requiring costly reconstruction. Councilmember Abdouch opposed the
change, expressing concern that accommodating existing violations could encourage future
noncompliance by builders and developers. They advocated stronger inspections and enforcement,
consideration of permeable materials, and protection of the City's character.
Councilmember Bjerstedt questioned whether homeowners should be required to modify driveways that
were noncompliant when purchased. Councilmember Abdouch acknowledged the potential unfairness
to homeowners but emphasized builder responsibility. Councilmember Walker supported maintaining

City Council Minutes for October 13, 2026
Page 3
the 25-foot limit for new driveways while grandfathering existing driveways that do not exceed 30 feet,
avoiding penalties for homeowners and limiting additional paved surfaces.
Administrator Simpson explained that driveway widths may be reviewed during plan submissions and
construction inspections, but the City does not have a dedicated monitoring program. Additional staff
resources could strengthen enforcement, and a more comprehensive inventory could help identify
existing conditions. Attorney Gierhart confirmed that the Council could legally maintain the 25-foot limit
for new driveways while grandfathering existing wider driveways through a formal ordinance
amendment.
Councilmember Downing supported the proposed 30-foot limit to reduce potential legal risks and
address existing compliance issues, recommending further review of alternatives. Councilmember
Abdouch opposed moving forward until the Council clarified how driveways exceeding 30 feet would be
addressed and how future violations would be prevented. Administrator Simpson clarified that the
proposal reflects current development patterns rather than allegations of builder misconduct and that
the Council must determine the appropriate width and approach to existing noncompliant driveways.
Mayor Page asked about the legal risks of maintaining the 25-foot limit while grandfathering existing
driveways. Attorney Gierhart confirmed that this approach was legally possible through a formal
ordinance amendment. Councilmember Odeen noted that enforcement levels are a policy decision
requiring consideration of staff time and resources and emphasized the importance of reviewing
whether existing ordinances remain appropriate. Councilmember Page referenced previous changes to
the fence ordinance as an example of updating regulations to accommodate existing conditions.
Mayor Page emphasized that the decision should reflect the Council's priorities for neighborhood
aesthetics and stormwater management. Councilmember Walker reiterated opposition to penalizing
residents or dedicating staff time to measuring existing driveways, supporting grandfathering for
driveways under 30 feet. Councilmember Page noted that allowing wider driveways would not require
every property to have one and could provide additional parking for larger households.
Motion carried 4-2 with Abdouch and Walker voting in opposition.
CONSENT AGENDA
Resolution No. Approving WPPI Energy Amendment No. 3 to the Long-Term Power Supply Contract
for Participating Members
Resolution No. Approving a Construction Contract for the Cedar St Improvements & Lametti Interceptor
Replacement
Resolution No. Approving Indivisible River Falls Request for Noise Control Exemption for Special Event
Resolution No. Approving the Repair of Damaged Stormwater Pipe and Bank Stabilization under the
South Main Street Bridge by Total Excavating in the Amount of $87,789.
MSC Odeen/Page moved to approve consent agenda items. Unanimous.
REPORTS:
Administrator’s Report
No questions or comments
Comptroller Report
General Fund revenues through the end of September were $10,673,536 or 74% of total budgeted
revenues for the year. Revenues in September included $31,809 in building permit revenue and
$11,246 in vehicle registration revenue. Expenditures through the end of September were $10,603,422,
or 74% of total budgeted expenditures for the year. As of September 30, 2026, net revenues over
expenditures were $70,144.
Mayor’s Good News

City Council Minutes for October 13, 2026
Page 4
Mayor Page reminded residents that Ask the City will take place on October 20, providing an opportunity
to engage in conversation with the Mayor and administrative staff. Mayor Page also shared updates on
Grow to Share’s planned relocation from Hoffman Park to DeSanctis Park by summer 2028, noting that
the organization has raised $65,000 in cash and in-kind donations, and highlighted the annual River
Falls Rotary Club and United Way diaper drive supporting families in Pierce and St. Croix counties.
New Business
Council Discussion: Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers
Mayor Page introduced a discussion on whether the City should consider a temporary moratorium on
hyperscale data centers. Administrator Simpson reviewed potential economic benefits and risks,
infrastructure and utility demands, environmental considerations, existing regulatory authority, and the
City's previous experience with Project Badger. He explained that the Council could pursue additional
research, strengthen existing regulations, or direct staff to prepare a proposed moratorium.
Councilmember Downing supported a 12-month moratorium to allow the City to establish clear
requirements before considering a proposal. He suggested provisions included closed-loop cooling
systems, restrictions on chemicals and wastewater discharges, noise and lighting limits, emergency
response and decommissioning plans, renewable energy, developer-funded infrastructure
improvements, and community benefits. Councilmember Odeen recommended that staff review existing
zoning and development regulations, clarify how data centers should be classified and approved, and
identify whether additional standards were necessary before deciding on a moratorium. Other Council
members expressed concern that a moratorium could discourage investment and limit the City’s ability
to evaluate proposals, emphasizing that the City could decline projects that did not meet community
expectations.
Administrator Simpson explained that Mann Valley was the only known local site with sufficient acreage
and proximity to major transmission infrastructure, and that the City could not independently supply the
substantial electrical demand of a hyperscale facility. He also reviewed the previous Project Badger
inquiry, which did not result in a formal development application, and noted that preliminary
infrastructure estimates were not commitments to proceed. Mayor Page encouraged continued dialogue
while prioritizing protection of the City’s water resources, soil, air quality, and neighborhood quality of
life. The discussion concluded with plans for Council members to submit proposed requirements, staff
to review existing regulations and identify gaps, and a workshop to be scheduled in the coming months.
Councilmember Downing asked whether the proposed approach effectively constituted a “silent
moratorium,” given the intent to continue discussions while withholding approval of a hyperscale data
center proposal during the review period. Administrator Simpson clarified that this would not be a formal
moratorium, as the City could exercise its discretion over development on City-owned property without
imposing a broader restriction on development applications. The general direction was to continue
exploratory discussions while avoiding advancement of a hyperscale data center proposal for
approximately six months as the City evaluates its options.
MSC Bjerstedt/Odeen to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Jackie Hanson, Deputy City Clerk

BUDGET WORKSHOP
October 13, 2026
City Hall – Council Chambers
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Alison Page, Rose Walker, Sean Downing, Diane Odeen, Mei Mei Abdouch,
Michael Page, Todd Bjerstedt Absent: Nick Carrow
City Staff Present: City Administrator Scot Simpson, Finance Director Josh Solinger, Chief of Staff Jennifer
Smith, Chief of Police Gorden Young, Fire Chief Justin Wilson, Deputy Clerk Jackie Hanson Assistant to the City
Administrator Jason Rohloff, Office Support Specialist Brenda Randleman, Community Development Director
Amy Peterson, City Engineer Todd Nickleski, Utilities Director Kevin Westhuis, Public Works Manager Erica
Ellefson, Finance Manager Kristine Basom, Conservation and Parks Manager Brooks Ostendorf, IT Specialist
Jonathan Thoen, Assistant Director to Community Development Emily Shively
Mayor Alison Page opened the workshop at 5:01 p.m.
Finance Director Josh Solinger presented the draft 2027–2028 Operating Budget, with a combined General Fund
biennial budget of approximately $27.81 million. The presentation emphasized inflationary adjustments,
personnel and public safety cost updates, and financial sustainability. Budget assumptions included a 3.5 percent
wage adjustment, a 6 percent increase in benefits, and a minimum 3 percent adjustment for non-personnel
operating costs. Neither year’s General Fund budget relied on fund balance for recurring operations. The 2026
budget appeared higher because it included a one-time $890,000 transfer to the capital fund for fire station cash
financing. General Fund department spending increased from approximately $12.68 million in 2026 to $12.99
million in 2027 and $13.45 million in 2028.
The proposed tax levy increased from approximately $8.48 million to $8.95 million, a 5.56 percent increase. After
accounting for new construction, the net levy increase attributable to the existing tax base was approximately
$254,000, or 3 percent, consistent with the Council’s established target. The estimated City tax rate increased
from $4.35 to $4.44 per $1,000 of assessed value, approximately 1.96 percent. The estimated annual City tax
impact for an average residence increased approximately $25, from $1,525 to $1,550. Commercial assessed
values grew approximately 18 percent, compared with residential growth of approximately 2 to 3 percent,
resulting in commercial properties absorbing a larger share of the levy. These estimates represented the City
portion only and excluded school district, county, technical college, and tax increment financing levies. The
budget also included an increase in the vehicle registration fee from $10 to $20 per vehicle in 2028.
Public safety remained the largest General Fund commitment, representing approximately 42 percent of
expenditures. The public safety budget increased approximately $350,000 from 2026 to 2027, reflecting
personnel and benefit adjustments, the police union contract, the transition from an interim to a permanent fire
chief, and updated budgeting for paid-per-call firefighters. The Public Works operating budget decreased
approximately $400,000 as road maintenance funding was adjusted to reflect recent actual expenses and budget
capacity was redirected toward transportation capital projects. Projects included Connect River Falls, downtown
reconstruction, and the North Main Street mill and overlay. Administrative and community services spending
increased approximately $250,000 to accommodate ongoing Merchant McIntyre services and a vacant full-time
position budgeted as a contingency for use if needed.
Special revenue fund changes included $265,000 in one-time Library expenditures for landscaping and solar
improvements in 2027, with spending decreasing in 2028. Solid waste budget changes reflected the updated
Waste Management contract. Staff reviewed fire, park, and library impact fee expenditures, including fire station

Council Workshop Minutes
October 13, 2026
Page 2
improvements and a park Phase II project. The housing reserve fund included $577,000 in the 2026 budget from
the TID 5 extension for an affordable housing transfer.
Debt service increased from approximately $1.25 million in 2026 to $1.73 million in 2027, primarily due to the
fire station’s 2026A promissory notes. The levy-supported portion increased approximately $162,000, with Rural
Fire Association contributions and the facilities maintenance fund offsetting the remaining increase. Debt service
represented approximately 14 percent of the total tax levy, below the City’s 20 percent policy target.
Enterprise fund budgets included operating and capital expenditures for electric, water, sewer, storm water, and
ambulance services. Electric operating expenditure increased from approximately $17.4 million to $19.06 million,
largely due to WPPI wholesale power costs. Administrator Simpson explained the use of the Power Cost
Adjustment Clause to collect differences between utility rates and wholesale power assessments. Electric capital
projects included $400,000 for underground electric lines and $500,000 for Whitetail streetlights. Water and
sewer budgets reflected staffing allocations, infrastructure improvements, and costs associated with the new
sewer dryer facility. The Lametti Interceptor and Locust Street extension projects represented approximately
$2.2 million in combined project costs. A small sewer rate adjustment was anticipated in early 2027, with water
and electric rate adjustments expected in later years.
Councilmember Downing talked about the potential assistance with approximately $4,000 in water hookup costs
the new Desantis Park location. Options raised included one-time debt forgiveness or an operating grant.
Administrator Simpson indicated that potential assistance would require legal and Public Service Commission
review because the water utility is regulated and direct forgiveness might not be eligible. The WPPI Commitment
to Community program was identified as a possible funding source. Council direction would be needed before
staff could identify an eligible method of assistance.
Councilmember Downing also talked about a downtown mural proposal was introduced for discussion, with no
vote requested at the workshop. The concept included partnering with a college art department on themes
associated with city. Potential funding sources included tax increment financing, impact fees, matching grants,
and a 1 percent art allocation used only as a grant match. The proposal contemplated proceeding only after
outside grant funding was fully secured and proposed no property tax increase. Discussion addressed committee
review and possible consideration through a budget amendment, referral to the Park and Recreation or Business
Improvement District board, or a future budget cycle. Administrator Simpson noted that the art committee was
currently appointed for individual projects rather than operating as a standing committee and that budget
amendments required a two-thirds majority.

The proposed 2027 budget totaled $70,517,996 across all funds, with a tax levy of approximately $8.95 million.
Administrator Simpson explained that Council approves the budget by fund and function rather than by individual
line item, with staff managing expenditures within those functional categories. The first reading was scheduled
for October 27, 2026, followed by the second reading, public hearing, and adoption on November 10, 2026.

Council Workshop Minutes
October 13, 2026
Page 3
Publication of the public notice was planned for the following week. St Croix Gas was not included in the
proposed budget, with the earliest potential transaction date identified as July 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028,
considered more likely. Councilmembers were encouraged to review the budget book’s staffing summary on
pages 14–15, the TID map on page 71, and the terms and reference materials beginning on page 121.
Mayor Page closed the workshop at 6:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Randleman, Office Support Specialist

2
MEMORANDUM
TO:

Mayor Page and City Council

FROM:

Jackie Hanson, Deputy City Clerk

DATE:

October 27, 2026

TITLE:

FINAL RESOLUTION DECLARING INTENT TO EXERCISE SPECIAL
ASSESSMENT POLICE POWERS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE RIVER FALLS

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt the attached resolution that will authorize proceeding with special assessments for the
downtown Business Improvement District (BID).
BACKGROUND
The BID assessment has been in place since 1988. The request from the Business Improvement
District Board is to continue with an annual assessment of $44,500 to fund improvements in the
downtown district. Each property in the business improvement district pays a portion of the
assessment based on the assessed values as of January 1, 2026. The City’s administrative cost
of $2,500 for processing the assessments is included in the total of $44,500.
A public hearing is being held on the final resolution to allow property owners within the district to
provide comments and voice concerns before the final assessments are approved.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The assessment is spread over all properties in the business improvement district based on the
assessed value of the property. A schedule of the assessment for each parcel is attached.
CONCLUSION
Upon approval from the Council, affected property owners will be notified of the final assessment.

RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT POLICE POWERS UNDER
SECTION 66.0703 WISCONSIN STATUTES
FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE RIVER FALLS
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
RESOLVED, by the Common Council of the City of River Falls, Wisconsin:
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of River Falls held a public hearing at the City Hall
on the 27th day of October, 2026, for the purpose of hearing all interested persons concerning
the final resolution to levy special assessments upon property for the benefit of the River Falls
Business Improvement District (BID), the Common Council having approved the operating
budget submitted by the Business Improvement District Board. The special assessments that
will be levied by the Common Council are included in the attached spreadsheet with parcel
numbers and addresses.
WHEREAS, the Common Council heard all persons who desired to speak at the hearing
concerning the report of the Business Improvement District Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of River Falls, as
follows:
1. The improvements which shall constitute the special assessment levies shall be for the
payment of general operating expenses and project expenses, said improvements and
expenses to be incurred for the benefit of those properties that are in the BID.
2. The total amount assessed against the properties within the BID shall not exceed 100
percent of the total cost of the operating budget approved for the operation of the BID for
calendar year 2027. The Common Council determines that the assessment for the
operating budget of the BID constitutes an exercise of police power and benefits the
properties in the BID based upon the assessed valuation of the properties within the
BID.
3. The assessment against any parcel shall be included on the real estate property tax rolls
and shall be paid in full by January 31, 2027. All special assessments received by the
City for use in the Business Improvement District shall be placed in a segregated
account in the municipal treasury pursuant to Section 66.1109(4) of the Wisconsin
Statutes.
4. That the City Clerk shall publish this resolution as a Class 1 Notice in the assessment
district and mail a copy of this resolution and a statement of the final assessment against
the benefited property to every property owner whose name appears on the assessment

roll whose post office address is known or can with reasonable diligence be ascertained.
Dated this 27th day of October, 2026.

ATTEST:

Amy White, City Clerk

Alison H. Page, Mayor

Parcel ID (Comp No)
276-01012-0500
276-01011-1000
276-01010-0500
276-01047-0800
276-01011-0700
276-01004-0400
276-01012-0300
276-01010-0700
276-01007-0900
276-01010-0100
276-01011-0200
276-01006-0800
276-01006-0400
276-01012-0600
276-01010-0200
276-01006-0100
276-01013-0500
276-01005-0400
276-01010-0600
276-01013-0400
276-01097-0100
276-01012-0800
276-01005-1000
276-01006-1000
276-01001-0900
276-01001-1000
276-01006-0500
276-01010-0800
276-01014-0100
276-01011-0100
276-01097-0500
276-01006-0600
276-01013-0800
276-01006-0200
276-01005-0700
276-01009-0400
276-01007-1000
276-01010-0400
276-01005-0600
276-01077-0800
276-01047-0200
276-01047-0400
276-01047-0300
276-01011-0800
276-01096-0900
276-01004-0200
276-01007-0100
276-01047-1000
276-01047-0500
276-01002-0330
276-01096-0400
276-01004-0600
276-01013-0300
276-01014-0500
276-01004-1000
276-01014-0600
276-01026-0700

276-01001-0700
276-01009-0100
276-01008-1000
276-01014-0800

Owner Name
HOX LLC
JEFFREY S SCHELLPFEFFER
JON LONGSDORF
KRELANDO RISTANI LIVING TRUST
KRELANDO RISTANI LIVING TRUST
CORY R SNELSON
THE MASSA GROUP LLC
DELBERT & CHARLA KUSILEK TRUST AGREEMENT
KOZITZA PROPERTIES LLC
MEL'S MIDTOWNER
FOX DEN REAL ESTATE LLC
SJ OLSON PROPERTIES LLC
LIL GAV LLC
PAUL D & ELIZABETH POULIOS
DAVID E & CHERYL DINTEMANN
DAVID E & CHERYL DINTEMANN
GRATEFUL BREAD INC
RIVER FALLS STATE BANK
BBJ INVESTMENTS LLC
THOMAS D BENTZ
R2K LAND HOLDING LLC
SENORASKE INVESTMENTS LLC
JAMES R & DOROTHY C BEIX CHILDREN'S TRUST
MARK R TOMLINSON
MEL'S MIDTOWNER LLC
FREEMAN DRUG INC
BEARCAT INVESTMENTS LLC
KINNICKINNIC RIVER PROPERTIES LLC
MOELTER LLC
DAVID CHENG
NIKKI R WERNER
RIVER CITY REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC
AMY E FREEMAN
AMY E FREEMAN
STEVEN S NELSON
FNC PROPERTIES LLC
DARBY LLC
PATRICIA G LOWELL HAMMARBACK
JASON BRISSON
LUCKY CAT LLC
117 EAST MAPLE STREET PROPERTIES LLC
DAWN M & CHRISTOPHER BERENDES
JOSHUA R CLEVELAND
NEIL Q ANDERSON
CL Rentals LLC
FIVE RIVERS PROPERTIES
COSONERO LLC
LORI'S SPA REAL ESTATE LLC
C & R HOLDINGS LLC
KANIAMOS PROPERTIES LLC
SHORE HOUSE LLC
DAVID & ALISON PAGE JOINT REVOCABLE TRUST
JONO PLACE LLC
TERRANCE L & SHARON M TARRAS
PLATINUM PIZZA HOLDINGS LLC
THOMAS D BENTZ
BERNARD REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC
CORAM DEO RIVER FALLS LLC
RIVER FALLS STATE BANK
1900PDS LLC
SLP CENTER LLC

2026 Total Value
$1,015,400.00
$254,200.00
$42,700.00
$238,500.00
$195,600.00
$240,500.00
$164,500.00
$181,300.00
$249,800.00
$236,400.00
$372,500.00
$116,200.00
$232,300.00
$263,500.00
$224,500.00
$162,100.00
$234,800.00
$32,600.00
$447,300.00
$197,600.00
$268,700.00
$267,200.00
$345,800.00
$224,300.00
$94,600.00
$237,900.00
$159,600.00
$335,000.00
$201,900.00
$322,600.00
$253,200.00
$274,600.00
$331,300.00
$322,300.00
$217,800.00
$550,900.00
$604,900.00
$236,900.00
$347,800.00
$295,500.00
$437,700.00
$360,900.00
$295,100.00
$406,900.00
$640,000.00
$655,800.00
$628,100.00
$271,300.00
$248,900.00
$472,400.00
$364,700.00
$1,241,200.00
$617,400.00
$413,200.00
$624,200.00
$502,900.00
$650,000.00
$566,500.00
$51,900.00
$276,900.00
$920,000.00

2026 Assessment
$
769.88
$
192.74
$
32.38
$
180.83
$
148.31
$
182.35
$
124.72
$
137.46
$
189.40
$
179.24
$
282.43
$
88.10
$
176.13
$
199.79
$
170.22
$
122.91
$
178.03
$
24.72
$
339.15
$
149.82
$
203.73
$
202.59
$
262.19
$
170.07
$
71.73
$
180.38
$
121.01
$
254.00
$
153.08
$
244.60
$
191.98
$
208.20
$
251.19
$
244.37
$
165.14
$
417.70
$
458.64
$
179.62
$
263.70
$
224.05
$
331.87
$
273.64
$
223.75
$
308.51
$
485.25
$
497.23
$
476.23
$
205.70
$
188.72
$
358.18
$
276.52
$
941.08
$
468.12
$
313.29
$
473.27
$
381.30
$
492.83
$
429.52
$
39.35
$
209.95
$
697.55

276-01002-0310
276-01002-0320
276-01076-1050
276-01009-0500
276-01126-0300
276-01009-0300
276-01094-1000
276-01009-1000
276-01077-0100
276-01076-0400
276-01096-0300
276-01096-0700
276-01102-0100

276-01060-0100
276-01076-0600
276-01096-0800
276-01005-0200
276-01001-0300
276-01011-0300
276-01015-0700
276-01004-0100
276-01015-0800
276-01001-0200
276-01095-0100
276-01015-0900
276-01097-0900
276-01076-1000
276-01012-1000
276-01014-0300
276-01001-0800
276-01009-1000
276-01077-0100
276-01076-0400
276-01096-0300
276-01096-0700
276-01102-0100

276-01060-0100
276-01076-0600
276-01096-0800
276-01005-0200
276-01001-0300
276-01011-0300
276-01015-0700
276-01004-0100
276-01015-0800
276-01001-0200
276-01095-0100
276-01015-0900
276-01097-0900
276-01076-1000
276-01012-1000
276-01014-0300
276-01001-0800

ALTO PROPERTIES LLC
BEAM HOLDINGS LLC
RONALD D & CHARIE M JENSEN
TREBUS INVESTMENTS LLC
RONALD D & CHARIE M JENSEN
MICHELLE M MAHER
402 NORTH MAIN STREET LLC
JAMES R & DOROTHY C BEIX CHILDREN'S TRUST
RAS II HOLDINGS LLC
BEARCAT INVESTMENTS LLC
TREBUS INVESTMENTS LLC
SENORASKE INVESTMENTS LLC
JDJB LLC
SJ OLSON PROPERTIES LLC
RAS PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC
VINCENT W SEIDLING
PAUL CATHERINE & STEVEN LEITCH
RIVER VALLEY SUITES LLC
BRANDON SCHMIDT
BRIAN J & ELIZABETH M SENORASKE
RIVER FALLS STATE BANK
RIVER FALLS STATE BANK
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF RIVER FALLS
WATKINS DENTAL LLC
SENORASKE INVESTMENTS LLC
EZE INVESTMENTS LLC
RIVER FALLS STATE BANK
MAXFIELD E NEUHAUS
RIVER FALLS STATE BANK
BOWEN PROPERTIES LLC
RIVER FALLS STATE BANK
WAYNE SVOBODA
IGO LEGACY HOTEL GROUP MARSHFIELD LLC
THE FORTRESS PROJECT INC
420 NORTH MAIN STREET LLC
PATRICK O SMITH
BEARCAT INVESTMENTS LLC
MARIACHI LOCO LLC
JDJB LLC
RIVER CENTER GROUP LLC
DELBERT & CHARLA KUSILEK TRUST AGREEMENT
J & D ENTERPRISES OF RIVER FALLS LLC
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF RIVER FALLS
MAIN STREET PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC
INDIANHEAD OIL CO INC
CORAM DEO PROPERTIES LLC
BOWEN PROPERTIES LLC
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF RIVER FALLS
JOHNSON FAMILY TRUST
TOGIRAJ HOSPITALITY LLC
ERICKSON'S DIVERSIFIED CORPORATION
BODHI STUDIOS REAL ESTATE LLC
KINNI PROPERTIES LLC

$640,000.00
$404,900.00
$335,100.00
$204,600.00
$49,500.00
$735,600.00
$348,300.00
$773,500.00
$600,000.00
$170,200.00
$287,600.00
$52,700.00
$52,000.00
$487,800.00
$912,500.00
$215,000.00
$302,800.00
$1,063,700.00
$238,600.00
$90,100.00
$466,100.00
$57,700.00
$68,900.00
$406,700.00
$243,200.00
$759,000.00
$1,139,700.00
$865,400.00
$103,400.00
$46,200.00
$64,700.00
$459,100.00
$105,500.00
$269,700.00
$300,000.00
$256,700.00
$64,500.00
$658,600.00
$653,900.00
$1,283,700.00
$228,700.00
$997,400.00
$2,250,300.00
$958,600.00
$1,073,000.00
$915,700.00
$597,500.00
$111,600.00
$999,200.00
$7,285,000.00
$4,952,200.00
$300,000.00
$143,700.00

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

485.25
307.00
254.07
155.13
37.53
557.74
264.08
586.47
454.92
129.05
218.06
39.96
39.43
369.85
691.86
163.01
229.58
806.50
180.91
68.31
353.40
43.75
52.24
308.36
184.40
575.48
864.13
656.15
78.40
35.03
49.06
348.09
79.99
204.49
227.46
194.63
48.90
499.35
495.79
973.31
173.40
756.23
1,706.19
726.82
813.55
694.29
453.03
84.62
757.60
5,523.53
3,754.79
227.46
108.95

3
MEMORANDUM
TO:

Mayor Page and City Council Members

FROM:

Josh Solinger, Finance Director

DATE:

October 27, 2026

TITLE:

ORDINANCE APPROVING 2027 BUDGET AND LEVY

RECOMMENDED ACTION
First reading of an ordinance appropriating the necessary funds for the operation of the
government and administration of the City of River Falls, Wisconsin, for Fiscal Year 2027. The
total all funds budget is $70,517,996, of which approximately 13% is budgeted to be financed by
general property taxes. The total property tax levy will be set at $8,950,151 for Fiscal Year 2027.
BACKGROUND
The 2027-2028 biennial budget was reviewed with the City Council at the budget workshop on
October 13, 2026. Councilmembers must adopt each year of the biennial budget and the tax
levies separately. Thus, Councilmembers are being asked to approve the budget and tax levy for
Fiscal Year 2027. The budget and tax levy for Fiscal Year 2028 will be adopted next year.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The tax levy totaling $8,950,151 is primarily allocated to the General Fund, Library, debt service,
and capital cash financing. Staff use the long-range Fiscal Plan as a guide when determining the
proposed tax levy. For 2027, the levy is comprised as follows:
Funding Use for Levy
General Fund
Library
Debt Service
Capital Cash Financing
Total

Dollar Amount
$ 6,427,949
975,000
1,262,080
285,122
$ 8,950,151

Share of Total Levy
72%
11%
14%
3%
100%

Budgets for non-levy financed funds are set within the framework of a variety of policies and
targets. Such targets include unassigned fund balance or working capital, debt limits, and more.
CONCLUSION
The first reading and public hearing for the 2027 budget ordinance is on October 27, 2026, with
a second reading and public hearing scheduled for November 10, 2026. The budget transmittal
message included in the budget document provides more information to guide policymakers and
other readers through the budget. The full draft document can be found here: Financial Reports
& Budgets | River Falls, WI - Official Website

DRAFT TRANSMITTAL LETTER
Date:

October 13, 2026

To:

Mayor Page and City Council Members

From:

Josh Solinger, Finance Director and Scot Simpson, City Administrator

Re:

2027-2028 Draft Biennial Budget Transmittal

Members of the City Council:
The 2027-2028 biennial budget is presented as the City’s two-year financial plan for providing
day-to-day services while preparing for the community’s longer-term needs. The budget translates
Council priorities into funding for public safety, streets, parks, utilities, development services,
technology, facilities, and other City services.
The proposed budget for all funds totals approximately $70.5 million in 2027 and $71.5 million in
2028. All funds include tax-supported operations, utility operations, capital improvements, tax
increment districts, debt service, special revenue funds, and internal service funds.
The budget was developed alongside the City’s five-year Fiscal Plan and 2027-2031 Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP). Together, these documents are intended to balance current service
needs with infrastructure investment, financial sustainability, and the City’s ability to respond when
conditions change.

A Budget Built Around Ongoing Services
The General Fund finances many of the services residents interact with most directly, including
police, fire, streets, parks, administration, community development, and other general
government functions. The proposed General Fund budget is approximately $13.7 million in 2027
and $14.1 million in 2028.
Property taxes remain the General Fund’s largest locally controlled revenue source. Property tax
revenue for the General Fund increases from approximately $6.36 million in 2026 to $6.43 million
in 2027 and $6.52 million in 2028. State shared revenue is budgeted at approximately $2.74
million in both 2027 and 2028. The General Fund budget continues the City’s practice of using a
mix of revenues, such as property taxes, State aids, service revenues, and transfers from utilities
and other funds, rather than relying on a single revenue source.
An important change from 2026 is that the proposed General Fund does not include the use of a
one-time drawdown of fund balance. The 2026 budget included approximately $898,000 of fund
balance applied for cash financing a portion of the fire station renovation and remodel project.

The proposed 2027-2028 biennial budget does not contemplate the need for drawing down fund
balance. Staff will continue managing the General Fund’s unassigned fund balance within policy
parameters established by the City Council.

People and Public Safety
Personnel remains the largest component of budgeted General Fund expenses. The budget
reflects contractual and planned wage adjustments, employee benefits, staffing assumptions, and
the cost of maintaining a high quality workforce capable of delivering City services.

Operations
9,494,000
34%
Personnel
18,316,000
66%

Public safety continues to represent the largest concentration of General Fund personnel costs.
The Police Department budget increases from approximately $4.43 million in 2026 to $4.68 million
in 2027 and $4.83 million in 2028. A significant portion of this change is personnel-related to
incorporate updates to the police union contract executed in late 2025.

1,375,000
Transfers

11,640,000
Public Safety

5,465,000
Admin &
Community
Services

6,483,000
Operations
2,847,000
Community
Development

The Fire Department budget also contains significant updates. One of the largest changes is an
increase in budgeted paid-per-call expenses from $255,000 in 2026 to $400,000 annually in 2027
and 2028. This does not represent an expansion of service levels. Actual Fire Department paidper-call expenses were approximately $400,000 in 2025, meaning the new budget more closely
reflects recent cost experience.
Similar adjustments are being made elsewhere. Streets incurred more than $60,000 of personnel
standby expenses 2025 and incurred approximately $54,000 through June 2026. This was related
to snow removal operations. The proposed budget establishes a $65,000 appropriation in 2027.
These adjustments reflect the cost of providing existing streets-related services, particularly snow
removal.

General Fund
Library
Special Revenue
Internal Services
Utilities
Total

FTEs by Fund / Function
2025
2026
61.87
63.37
9.27
9.27
0.11
0.11
7.66
7.66
38.89
38.89
117.80
119.30

2027
64.37
9.27
0.11
7.66
39.89
121.30

2028
64.37
9.27
0.11
7.66
39.89
121.30

From 2025 through the biennial period ending in 2028, the City will add four employees totaling
3.5 full-time equivalents. Two of the additions occur in 2027, and no new additions are planned
for 2028. One of the additions planned in the 2027-2028 budget is a contingency-type position to
be filled based on workload within the organization, if needed. The other addition is in the utilities
for an additional water/wastewater operator.

Maintaining Services While Costs Change
The cost of insurance, utilities, professional services, equipment, technology, and contracted
services continues to change, while several accounts have been adjusted based on recent actual
experience.
For example, the City Attorney budget increases from $75,000 to $100,000 in 2027 and $120,000
in 2028, reflecting a higher allowance for legal services. The proposed budgets anticipate
increased costs for prosecution services following bids for a new contract later in 2026.
The budget also reorganizes how the City accounts for facility costs. A new Building Maintenance
Fund consolidates the former City Hall and Maintenance funds. This change improves efficiency
in managing the finances for facilities maintenance-related activities. Expenses incurred in the
fund are charged back to other City funds and departments benefitting from the work. Proposed
expenses total approximately $1.31 million in 2027 and $1.64 million in 2028.

Utilities and Infrastructure
The City’s utilities account for a significant share of the total budget because they operate large
infrastructure systems and finance substantial capital improvements. Monthly customer service
charges for utility consumption represent the main sources of revenues for these funds.

Fund
Electric – Operating
Electric – Capital
Water – Operating
Water – Capital
Sewer – Operating
Sewer – Capital
Stormwater – Operating
Stormwater – Capital
Ambulance – Operating

2026
$17.4M
$2.37M
$3.30M
$637k
$3.75M
$1.11M
$652k
$494k
$330k

2027
$19.06M
$3.05M
$3.73M
$1.29M
$4.68M
$3.08M
$738k
$106k
$446k

2028
$19.79M
$2.78M
$3.80M
$838k
$4.77M
$584k
$752k
$375k
$461k

Electric
The Electric Utility has the largest budget among the City’s utilities, totaling $22.11 million in 2027
and $22.57 million in 2028. Purchased power continues to represent its largest operating
expense, totaling $12.70 million in 2027 and $13.40 million in 2028.
The City purchases power wholesale from WPPI and then assumes the responsibility for
distributing the energy across the City. Wholesale power costs are highly sensitive to
macroeconomic conditions. The budget also provides funding for electric distribution
improvements, equipment, system maintenance, and transfers supporting shared City services.
Water
The Water Utility’s budget totals $5.02 million in 2027 and $4.64 million in 2028. The 2027
operating budget includes increased cost allocations for a water/wastewater operator position. In
addition, the allocations for personnel costs of the City’s mechanics are being adjusted, which
slightly increases the cost for each of the utilities. The capital increase for the Water Utility in 2027
is largely due to the Locust Street extension project.
Sewer
The Sewer Utility budget totals $7.76 million in 2027 and $5.35 million in 2028. The operating
increase from 2026 to 2027 involves costs for the water/wastewater operator position, the City
mechanic allocation, and utility costs for the water needed at the new biosolids dryer facility. There
is also a contingency budget to be used in the event the biosolids facility goes offline and sludge
is hauled elsewhere. The capital increase is due to the Lametti Interceptor and Locust Street
extension projects.
Stormwater
The Stormwater Utility budget totals $844 thousand in 2027 and $1.13 million in 2028. This utility’s
budgeted increases generally involve standard inflationary adjustments for both personnel and
non-personnel operating costs. A variety of smaller capital costs drive the budgeted increase for
Stormwater capital projects in 2028, including the Collins outfall repair and the Hazel Street box
culvert installation.
The proposed budget continues the approach outlined in the CIP: utility cash is used for system
investment when practical, while borrowing allows the cost of long-lived infrastructure to be
shared over the period in which customers benefit from those assets. Like the General Fund’s

unassigned fund balance, staff manage the cash positions and indebtedness of the utilities within
Council established financial targets.

Growth, Development, and Tax Increment Financing
River Falls continues to experience development activity, and that growth is reflected throughout
the budget. The City maintains dedicated Park, Library, and Fire impact fee funds so that new
development contributes toward eligible public improvements needed to serve a growing
community. The Water Utility and Sewer Utility also receive impact fee revenues accounted for in
each utility’s fund. Tax increment financing also continues to support development and
redevelopment in areas such as Sterling Ponds, the Whitetail Ridge and Mann Valley corporate
parks, the former Shopko property, and the 700 S. Main Street area. These tools help connect
growth with the infrastructure and public services needed to support it.
General Fund Revenue
Transfers from TIDs
Change from Prior Year

2026 Budget 2027 Budget 2028 Budget
$ 338,000

$ 405,862

$ 395,790

-

+ $67,862

− $10,072

The financial benefits of development, particularly in tax increment districts (TIDs), are visible in
the General Fund. Transfers from the City’s TIDs to the General Fund are budgeted to increase
from approximately $338,000 in 2026 to $406,000 in 2027, before remaining near that level at
approximately $396,000 in 2028.
These transfers include reimbursements for eligible General Fund costs associated with
administering and supporting the districts, as well as interest payments on interfund loans
previously provided by the General Fund to finance TID activities. These revenues offset what
would otherwise be levied across the whole tax base.
TID #5 was terminated by the City Council in May 2025, with the final year of tax increment
revenue collection being 2026. Originally created in 1994, the TID contributed to $28.3 million in
property tax base growth that all taxing jurisdictions in the community now benefit from.
In addition, the TID repaid the General Fund approximately $1.2 million in interest for prior year
interfund loans. This interest is accounted for as operating income that reduces the amount of tax
levy needed for the General Fund. The TID also contributed approximately $450,000 for
affordable housing in 2026. Because the TID is terminated, there is no budget for this fund in the
2027-2028 biennial budget.

Capital Investment and Debt
The operating budget and CIP were developed together. The 2027-2031 CIP includes
approximately $122.3 million of planned investment in streets, utilities, facilities, vehicles,
equipment, technology, parks, and other community assets. Major projects include downtown
reconstruction, dam removal and river restoration, Kinni Corridor improvements, water system
expansion, trails, and recurring replacement of existing infrastructure.
The City does not expect property taxes alone to finance this investment. The CIP uses grants
and donations, utility cash, development contributions and impact fees, TID resources, tax levy,

fund balance, and both levy-financed and non-levy-financed borrowing. This diversified approach
is intended to match funding with the purpose and useful life of each investment while limiting
pressure on any one revenue source. The CIP identifies more than $27 million of Federal grant
funding over the five-year period, although some outside funding remains subject to future awards
and project timing.
Borrowing will continue to be evaluated in the context of the City’s entire debt profile rather than
one project at a time. The City’s financial plans are intended to maintain capacity for major
infrastructure needs while avoiding debt for costs that can be financed with current resources.

Financial Sustainability
The proposed budget continues the City’s focus on maintaining financial flexibility. Fund balance
and utility working capital provide resources to respond to unexpected costs, revenue volatility,
emergencies, and one-time capital needs without requiring abrupt tax or rate changes.
The General Fund budget does not depend on fund balance for recurring operations in either
2027 or 2028. The CIP currently anticipates only limited use of General Fund unassigned fund
balance for capital purposes - $25,000 in 2027 and $340,000 in 2030 - while projected unassigned
fund balance remains above the Council’s 40 percent policy threshold through the five-year plan.
The same philosophy applies to the utilities. Cash reserves, rate revenues, and debt are
evaluated together so that current customers contribute to ongoing system needs while the cost
of long-lived infrastructure can be spread among the customers who will benefit from it.

Closing
The 2027-2028 biennial budget is intended to provide a transparent view of how the City plans to
finance services over the next two years. It maintains existing services, supports employees and
public infrastructure, and coordinates operating decisions with the City’s longer-term capital and
financial plans.
As with the CIP, the budget is also a planning document built on assumptions. Development
activity, State revenues, utility costs, interest rates, project schedules, personnel costs, and other
conditions will change. Staff will continue monitoring those assumptions and bring significant
changes to the City Council, if needed.
We appreciate the work of department directors and staff who developed the individual budgets
and evaluated service needs, operating costs, revenues, and capital priorities. We look forward
to working with the City Council to work toward adopting a financial plan that supports reliable
services and long-term financial sustainability.
Respectfully submitted,
Scot Simpson
City Administrator

Josh Solinger
Finance Director

ORDINANCE 2026-18
AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING THE NECESSARY FUNDS FOR THE
OPERATION OF THE GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE
CITY OF RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN, FOR THE YEAR 2027
The Common Council of the City of River Falls, Wisconsin, does ordain as follows:

Section 1.

There is hereby appropriated out of the revenue shown below of the City of River Falls for
the year 2027, including monies received from the general property tax levy, to the various
funds and General Fund functional levels set up in the budget presented herewith, for the
purposes therein stated, in the following amounts:
Fund

General Fund
Streetlight Fund
Parking Improvement Fund
Taxi
Solid Waste
Library
Park Impact Fee
Library Impact Fee
Fire Impact Fees
Library Trust
Park Land Dedication
Environmental Fee Utility
Revolving Loan
Housing Reserve
Business/Tourism
TID #6 Spruce Street
TID #8 University Falls
TID #9 Downtown District
TID #10 Sterling Ponds
TID #11 Industrial Park
TID #12 Mann Valley
TID #13 Whitetail Ridge
TID #14 Clark Street
TID #15 S. Main Street
TID #16 DeSanctis
TID #17 Tattersall
TID #18 700 S. Main
TID #19 Mann Valley
Debt Service - City Hall
Debt Service - Public Safety
Debt Service - Radio Road
Debt Service - Mann Valley Land
Debt Service - Glen Park
General Capital Projects
Capital Equipment
Electric
Water
Sewer
Storm Water
Ambulance
Internal Service - Motor Pool
Internal Service - I.T.
Internal Service - Building Maintenance
Total All Funds

Revenues

$

$

13,721,311
44,500
2,400
374,424
1,319,200
1,794,423
1,170,000
30,500
40,000
6,000
24,000
36,000
8,239
131,311
212,500
163,648
118,912
155,111
1,002,480
73,985
40,091
551,750
977,860
150,538
279,388
436,950
305,700
978,838
416,550
759,675
110,775
149,987
288,173
4,244,507
1,373,725
22,111,966
5,015,370
7,767,887
843,949
446,137
37,500
1,294,263
1,307,473
70,517,996

Expenditures

$

13,721,311
244,500
2,400
374,424
1,319,200
1,794,423
1,170,000
30,500
40,000
6,000
24,000
36,000
8,239
131,311
212,500
163,648
118,912
155,111
1,002,480
73,985
40,091
551,750
977,860
150,538
279,388
436,950
305,700
978,838
416,550
759,675
110,775
149,987
288,173
4,244,507
1,373,725
22,111,966
5,015,370
7,767,887
843,949
446,137
37,500
1,294,263
1,307,473
70,517,996

General Fund Revenues and Other Financing Uses:
Functional Level
General Property Taxes

$

6,427,949
21,100

Other Tax

-

Special Assessments

4,200,700

Intergovernmental Revenues
Licenses and Permits

295,000

Fines, Forfeitures and Penalties

145,000

Public Charges for Service

389,600

Miscellaneous Revenues

197,200

Other Financing Sources

2,044,762

Total Revenues and
Other Financing Sources

$

13,721,311

General Fund Expenditures and Other Financing Uses:
Functional Level
General Government

$

2,675,787

Public Safety

5,687,864

Public Works

2,251,446

Health Services

1,725

Culture, Recreation & Education

1,236,619

Conservation & Development

1,137,384
-

Capital Projects

-

Debt Service

730,486

Other Financing Uses
Total Expenditures and
Other Financing Uses

$

13,721,311

Section 2.

There is hereby levied a tax of $ 8,950,151 upon all taxable property within the City of
River Falls, Wisconsin, as returned by the Assessor in the year 2027 for uses and
purposes as set forth in said budget.

Section 3.

The City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to levy taxation against the tax
incremental districts located in the City of River Falls and allocate the proceeds thereof in
accordance with Section 66.1105 the Wisconsin Statutes.

Section 4.

The City Clerk be and hereby is authorized and directed to spread the said tax upon the
current tax roll of the City of River Falls, Wisconsin.

Section 5.

Budget appropriations are established by fund and function. Additional details included
in the budget are presented as supplementary information.

Section 6.

The Ordinance shall take effect and be in force after its passage and publication.
FOR THE CITY OF RIVER FALLS
_____________________________

ATTEST:

Amy White, City Clerk

Alison H. Page, Mayor

ADOPTED:________
PUBLISHED:______

City of River Falls Business Improvement District
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 AT 8:30 A.M.
FOSTER CONFERENCE ROOM – CITY HALL
222 LEWIS STREET RIVER FALLS, WI 54022
Members present: Joleen Larson, Amy Halvorson, Amy Freeman, Mike Miller, Terry McKay, Sarah
Jenkins, Rosa Magnus
Members Absent: Vince Seidling, Andrew Singerhouse, Kerri Olson
CALL TO ORDER: Larson called the meeting to order at 8:33 a.m.
AGENDA/MEETING MINUTES
The meeting minutes for the August 11, 2026 meeting were approved. M/S Miller/Halvorson.
Unanimous.
FINANCIALS
Financials were reviewed; there was nothing to note.
OTHER BUSINESS
Discussion: BID grant program parameters
The Board discussed changing the amount of a project that could be reimbursed through the BID grant
programs. It was noted that there is a lot of stability with businesses downtown so there isn’t a need to
change signage very often. The Board discussed the reasons for the current parameters and what has
been different in the past. Halvorson made a motion to increase the façade grant reimbursement
to 50% of the project cost up to $12,000 (a change from 35% of project cost up to $6,000). Miller
seconded. Unanimous. Halvorson made a motion to increase the sign grant reimbursement to
50% of the project cost up to $2,000 (a change from 35% of the project cost up to $1,000). Miller
seconded. Unanimous. The Board agreed to keep the increased reimbursement in place until the
funds were spent and then reevaluate the program parameters again.
Discussion: Downtown event evaluation
Larson discussed opportunities for evaluating events that BID Board supports downtown (Music in the
Park; River Falls Business Leaders events; Chamber events). There are benefits to understanding if
events are achieving their intended purpose so that changes or shifts can be made for ongoing success.
Magnus shared that each of the Chamber events has its own charter so that it is focused and goals are
set. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Main Street/Connect Communities
program has a handbook for event evaluation. Larson is drafting a letter to event partners that will
include the resource to encourage them to collect information about events and provide the BID Board
with a summary of outcomes as funding stakeholders.
Discussion: Opportunities available with Connect Communities Gold Tier status designation
Shively provided an overview of additional resources available to the downtown area as part of the Gold
Tier status designation from WEDC. These include a market analysis, infographics, and one free façade
design rendering. Shively noted that WEDC has developed a library of façade renderings over time and

BID Board Chair:
BID Staff:

Joleen Larson
Emily Shively

715-426-7776
715-426-3437

[email protected]
[email protected]

may be able to provide examples of buildings similar to those downtown without doing a custom
rendering. This would at least provide some ideas for building and business owners who may be looking
to improve their buildings. She also noted that she will continue to forward webinar and other information
from WEDC to the BID Board and they should feel free to pass those along to others who may be
interested.
Main Street Updates
Larson shared that Pat Nistler from Accessibility Awareness River Falls sent the BID Board a thank you
letter. They have installed over 35 doorbells at businesses and have more in the works. The doorbells
have been used by people with mobility devices as well as caregivers with strollers needing assistance
entering businesses.
Larson stopped by Bow and Button on W. Walnut Street. The owner is a teacher so the open hours
vary but she is having fun and doing well. It was noted that many of the insurance agents with offices
downtown are working from home. Larson reported that Fox Den is still figuring out their sign and awning
but an application for a grant is anticipated. The building next to Fox Den is likely to be a Dungeons &
Dragons/Magic the Gathering/art store.
McKay reminded the Board that September 24th is Ladies Night Out and there are more giveaways, a
passport to have stamped at businesses, 300 bags with gift items, and many businesses participating
up and down Main Street. They have increased their marketing with posters and social media posts.
There is also Bacon Bash, the UWRF Rodeo, Art on the Kinni, and the 9/11 5k events happening in
September.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Larson adjourned the meeting at 9:19 am
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Shively
Assistant Director of Community Development

BID Board Chair:
BID Staff:

Joleen Larson
Emily Shively

715-426-7776
715-426-3437

[email protected]
[email protected]

Community Development Department

222 Lewis Street
River Falls, WI 54022
715.425.0900
www.rfcity.org

PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
Sept. 16, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting convened at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:

Matt Janquart (Chair), Sean Downing (Council Rep), Phil Galli
(virtually), Brenda Gaulke, Eli Guthrie, and Melissa Pedrini.
Natasha Schaefer.
Brooks Ostendorf - Conservation and Parks Manager, Kyle Mackey
- Recreation Coordinator, and Brenda Rundle - Customer Service
Representative.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. MSC Gaulke/Guthrie to approve the minutes of the August 19, 2026 Park and
Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) meeting. Unanimous.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Patricia La Rue says that many former local children have gone on to great athletic
achievements, thanks to the PRAB and the Parks and Recreation staff.
William Hansen of the Town of River Falls said that the Junction Falls dam and hydro
generator is an increasingly valuable asset for the community.
Beth Rausch spoke about the proposed multi-use sport complex at Glen Park. She feels
a grant could be pursued to increase the size of the proposed sport court. She also
encourages the PRAB to consider moving it to the previously proposed T-ball field area.
ACTION ITEMS
2. Conservation and Parks Manager Brooks Ostendorf shared Girl Scout Nora Bridges’
proposal to install a “Sunshine Box” for trinkets at Sterling Ponds Park and Ostness
park, adjacent to park entry signage. They are about 10 inches long, 7 inches wide
and 5 inches tall, painted and waterproofed and mounted on a post. Nora showed an
example.
MSC Downing/Gaulke to approve Nora Bridges’ Girl Scout Service Project.
Unanimous.
3. Conservation and Parks Manager Brooks Ostendorf spoke about removing the last
remaining skatepark infrastructure at Hoffman Park because it is deteriorating. The
City’s approved Outdoor Recreation Plan shows that the City may need two
skateparks by 2045 according to national standards. A park survey did show some
interest in having a skate park. Staff recommends that future consideration of

skateboarding facilities occur as part of a new, appropriately planned facility. The
outdoor recreation plan is due to be updated in 2028 and will include community
feedback to see if there is still a large desire for a skate park.
MSC Guthrie/Pedrini to approve the removal of the remaining skatepark
infrastructure at Hoffman Park. Unanimous.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
None.
STAFF REPORTS
4. Kyle shared the Recreation portion of the Conservation, Parks, and Public Works
Staff Report. The recreation and pool season went well; however mini-camp
registrations were down from previous years. Regarding forestry, annual tree
planting begins this week and continues through October. The City had goats at Art
on the Kinni again last weekend for nuisance vegetation removal at the south end of
the Kinni Pathway. A park bench was donated in honor of Helen Kyle White and was
placed along with White Pathway. Cement picnic table slabs have been added at
Glen Park (northwest side) and Brandon’s Park.
CALENDAR
The next Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting will be Wednesday, October 21,
2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
ADJOURNMENT
MSC Pedrini/Gaulke to adjourn the meeting at 6:10 p.m. Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Rundle, Customer Service Representative

Community Development Department

222 Lewis Street
River Falls, WI 54022
715.425.0900
www.rfcity.org

MINUTES
PLAN COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:

Rob Gormanson, Chris Holtkamp, Arriety Lowell, Diane Odeen, Steven
Severson, Alison Page
Michael Woolsey
Emily Shively, Harley Mehlhorn, Becky Corson, Joe Reardon

CALL TO ORDER
Meeting convened at 6:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Odeen, S/Lowell to approve minutes. Motion carried 6/0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Alicia Cosgrove (514 River Hills Drive) – Spoke regarding the City’s driveway width regulations.
She discussed the evolution of driveways in older neighborhoods, specifically River Hills, noting
that many properties have expanded driveways or added gravel extensions over time to
accommodate extra vehicles. Cosgrove suggested that the City consider an overlay or other
approach that could encourage the use of permeable surfaces when driveway expansions are
needed. She stated that while the larger driveways may provide easier and safer access and
reduce the number of vehicles parked on streets, the City should also consider preserving the
appearance and character of neighborhoods.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Proposed ordinance amending Title 17 Zoning, Chapter 17.08.020 regarding driveway
width.
Harley Mehlhorn, Senior Planner presented the proposed amendments to the City’s driveway
regulations. Mehlhorn explained that the proposed changes were originally part of a larger
package of zoning updates considered in 2025 and early 2026. The driveway provisions raised
questions during the City Council’s February meeting, and the Council tabled the item and
directed staff to further evaluate the regulations and return with a revised proposal. Mehlhorn
explained that the revised proposal is intended to accommodate existing conditions and current
development trends while balancing neighborhood aesthetics and stormwater considerations.
Mehlhorn discussed how under the current ordinance, driveway widths are limited to 25 feet at
the right-of-way or property line in R-1 districts and 35 feet in R-2 and R-3 districts. Mehlhorn
indicated that the current regulations established driveway allowances based on the zoning
district rather than the actual land use of the property.
Page 1 of 3

Mehlhorn explained that staff conducted a random sample of five neighborhoods within the City,
all constructed within the past 40 years, with most developed more recently. The review found
that more than half of the homes sampled were nonconforming under the existing 25 food
allowance, with an average driveway width of approximately 27 feet. Mehlhorn showed pictures
with examples of driveway configurations that create abrupt tapers or notches and can contribute
to landscape deterioration and material being carried into the right-of-way.
Mehlhorn stated based on the data and recent development trends, staff recommends increasing
the maximum driveway width to 30 feet. Mehlhorn stated the change would bring most currently
nonconforming properties into conformance, allow for more gradual and aesthetically appropriate
tapers, and better accommodate three-car garages. Mehlhorn also indicated that the proposed
driveway width allowances be categorized according to land use rather than zoning district, so
that the allowance reflects the actual use and associated impacts of a property.
Mehlhorn summarized that next steps would be for City Council to hold a first reading of the
ordinance on September 22, 2026, and recommended the Plan Commission forward the
proposed amendments to City Council with a favorable recommendation.
Conversation was had on how properties with driveways that remain nonconforming after the
adoption of the proposed 30-foot standard would be treated. Mehlhorn indicated that the intent is
to establish a reasonable cutoff that would address most of the nonconformities without creating
a blanket exemption for all existing nonconforming driveways. Mehlhorn indicated that proactive
enforcement of driveway widths is difficult because measurements generally require staff to visit
the property and some driveway work may occur without permits. The intent of the amendment
is primarily to provide reasonable flexibility for current development patterns, including three-car
garages, rather than automatically legalize every existing nonconforming driveway.
Conversation was had on whether increasing the allowance from 25 to 30 feet could result in
property owners constructing increasingly larger driveways, such as 33 to 34 feet. Mehlhorn
explained that driveway expansions require permits and that the permitting process provides an
opportunity for the City to review proposed widths. Mehlhorn understands the concern but stated
that based one experience with zoning administration, increasing the allowable widths does not
necessarily result in excessive expansions. Mehlhorn indicated the City would remain attentive
to this issue during implementation.
Conversation was had on whether the proposed 30-foot maximum would require all properties to
expand their driveways to 30 feet. Mehlhorn clarified that the amendment establishes a maximum
allowance, not a required width, and property owners could retain narrower driveway extensions.
Conversation was also had on whether a homeowner’s association could impose a more
restrictive driveway width. Mehlhorn indicated that private covenants and HOA requirements may
imposed additional restrictions beyond the City’s ordinance and may be enforced by the HOA.
Conversation was had on clarification regarding the proposal to categorize driveway widths by
land use rather than zoning district. Mehlhorn explained that land use refers to the actual physical
use of the property, while zoning is a regulatory designation. The two generally correspond but
can differ for nonconforming properties or properties located in zoning districts that allow a range
of uses. Mehlhorn provided an example of a single-family home located in an R-3 district where
the current zoning-based approach would allow for a wider driveway even though the property is
being used as a single-family residence. Mehlhorn indicated that under the proposed approach,
Page 2 of 3

a single-family residence would be subject to the single-family driveway allowance regardless of
whether it is in an R-1 or R-3 district.
Conversation was had on where driveway width is measured. Mehlhorn indicated that the
measurement is taken at the property line, where the public street and right-of-way meets the
private property.
Conversation was also had on how the proposed regulations would apply to a single-family
property with an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Mehlhorn indicated that the ADU is considered
an accessory use and would not change the property’s principal use for purposes of
administration driveway regulations. A single-family property with an ADU would therefore remain
subject to the single-family driveway allowance.
Conversation was had around encouraging permeable driveway and hardscape surfaces.
Mehlhorn indicated that stormwater considerations were a significant concern when the driveway
ordinance was previously considered by City Council. Mehlhorn consulted with the City Engineer
regarding the proposed amendment and reported that the increase in allowable driveway width
would not create stormwater conditions beyond those already addressed by the City’s existing
regulations. Mehlhorn stated that the driveway ordinance provides an additional allowance for
hardscape, but stormwater regulations continue to apply independently. New impervious surface
exceeding 1,000 square feet triggers stormwater mitigation requirements under the City’s existing
ordinance. Mehlhorn also indicated that there were no current Citywide campaigns specifically
encouraging permeable driveway surfaces or rain gardens, and that the choice of a surface
currently remains with the property owners, subject to applicable stormwater requirements.
Chris Holtkamp made a motion to approve the proposed ordinance amending Title 17 regarding
driveway regulations and forward with Council for approval. M/Holtkamp, S/Gormanson –
carried 6/0
REPORTS
Planning Update
Emily Shively, Assistant Director of Community Development provided a brief planning update
and directed the Commissioners attention to the Community Development Department update
included in the meeting packet. Shively offered to answer any questions regarding the report.
Conversation was had about the Focus River Falls updates and expressed interest in the
upcoming process to review and update the City’s planning documents, noting that conditions
have changed and that the timing is appropriate for the review.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Odeen made a motion to adjourn at 6:46 p.m. S/Holtkamp; motion carried 6/0.
Respectfully submitted,
Becky Corson, Community Development Coordinator

Page 3 of 3

River Falls Board of Trustee Minutes
September 14, 2026
Present: Tanya Misselt, Tiffany Alexander, Lorraine Davis, Rebecca Ferguson,
Kari Heinselman, Jayne Hoffman, Mike Metro, Ann Nelson and Jean Ritzinger
Absent: Nick Carow
Special Guests: Amy White, Steve Schroeder, and Heather Logelin
1.
2.
3.
4.

The meeting was called to order by President Metro at 6:30pm.
A quorum was established.
Misselt confirmed the meeting was in compliance with open meeting laws.
Introductions: Guests: Heather Logelin and Steve Schroder from the St. Croix
Valley Foundation were introduced.
5. Approval of Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda was made by
Heinselman and seconded by Davis. Motion carried.
6. Approval of August Minutes: A motion was made by Ritzinger, seconded by
Hoffman to approve the minutes. Motion carried.
7. Presidents Report: Metro thanked Misselt and staff for their hard work.
8. Guest Speakers: Heather Logelin and Steve Schroeder presented a report
and answered questions regarding the St. Croix Valley Foundation.
9. Director’s Report: Misselt explained the amendment to the hot spot policy
and the county reimbursement system.
10. Consent Agenda: Davis made a motion and Ritzinger seconded, to accept
the consent agenda. Motion carried.
11. NewsBank Digital Resource: Misselt demonstrated the new digital resource,
recently purchased by the library.
12. Adjournment: A motion was made by Alexander, seconded by Ferguson to
adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:30
Respectfully submitted: Jean Ritzinger - secretary

POLICE & FIRE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
July 13, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
City Hall
Council Chambers
222 Lewis Street
River Falls, WI
Commission President Austin called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Commission Members Present:

Lenny Austin, Gary Donath, Tom Gunderson,
Jon Longsdorf, Dick Rinehart

Staff Present:

Gordon Young

Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting Minutes from June 1, 2026.
MSC Gunderson/Donath. Unanimous.
1) Establish Patrol Officer Eligibility List
Chief Young shared a memo with a list containing three (3) candidates that met
the minimum criteria according to the rules established by the Commission. He
requested a Patrol Officer Eligibility List be created with the names therein. This
list reflects efforts from January to June of 2026.
MSC Donath/Rinehart to establish the Patrol Officer Eligibility List.
Unanimous
2) Appointments from Patrol Officer Eligibility List
Chief Young thanked the commission for establishing the eligibility list. He then
recommended the appointment from the list for both Logan Ottarson and Gabe
Marvin. Chief Young indicated the candidates will have to successfully complete
our background investigation, Chief’s Interview and outlined that any offer to hire
is conditional on successfully completing HR hiring requirements, which include
both a physical and psychological examination and drug test
Chief Young provided a brief history of both candidates. Chief Young indicated
that both will need to attend Academy. There was a brief discussion regarding
timeline of Academy attendance for new officers.
MSC Longsdorf/Gunderson appointing Logan Ottarson and Gabe Marvin
from the Patrol Officer Eligibility List. Unanimous
3) Authorization to create a new Police Officer Eligibility List
Chief Young provided a staffing update to the Commission, including insights on
direction given from City Administrator related to staffing levels for the PD. He
indicated that while the department has a budgeted level of officers at 27, he has
been granted authority to proactively hire above that as Administration
understands surprise retirements or resignations may pop up and that not all new
officers may make it successfully through the hiring process, field training and the

probationary period. Chief Young respectfully requested permission to continue
the search for an additional exceptional candidate.
MSC Rinehart/Donath to authorize a process to create a new Police Officer
Eligibility List. Unanimous.
Adjournment: MSC Gunderson/Longsdorf. Unanimous.
Meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,

Ailene Splittgerber
Recording Secretary

CITY OF RIVER FALLS
UTILITY ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 17, 2026
The meeting was called to order by Utility Advisory Board (UAB) Vice Chair Amber Bjork at 6:30
p.m.
The pledge of allegiance was said.
Utility Advisory Board Present: Amber Bjork, Joel Donna, Lance Hovland, Mark Klecker, Tim
Thum, and Rose Walker
Utility Advisory Board Absent: Chris Lick
Staff Present:
Utility Director Kevin Westhuis; Water/Wastewater Superintendent Bradley Vick; Public Works
Manager Erica Ellefson; Executive Assistant Lanae Nelson and IT Technician Joe Reardon
Approval of Minutes:
Meeting Minutes: 07-20-2026
MSC Klecker/Walker approved minutes. Unanimous.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Patricia LaRue – LaRue discussed her involvement with the Kinni Corridor Project Board and
reviewed beaver and otter management in the Kinnickinnic River by the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA).

NEW BUSINESS:
Resolution 2026 – 09 Recommending Approval Award for Sewer Collection Manhole
Rehabilitation
Water/Wastewater Superintendent Bradley Vick presented a project to rehabilitate sanitary
manhole MH1101, located on a washed-out riverbank south of the Winter Street Substation and
Junction Falls Hydroelectric Dam. Manhole rehabilitation is needed to maintain the wastewater
collection system, reduce infiltration and inflow, and ensure reliable operation of our sewer
collections. One quote was received from Total Excavating & Grading for $63,791.
MSC Thum/Walker moved to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously.
REPORTS:
2026 WDNR Annual Drinking Water Testing Report
Vick reviewed the 2026 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) required lead and
copper drinking water testing results.
Finance Report
Public Works Manager Ellefson reviewed monthly financial reports for revenues, expenditures,
budget status, fund balances, and capital expenses for the electric, water, wastewater, and
stormwater utilities.
Utility Dashboards
Westhuis reviewed utility performance dashboards.

Monthly Report
Utility reports for July 2026 were included in the meeting packet.
Utility Director’s Report
Provided an update on the Wastewater Treatment Facility Biosolids Dryer project.
Thanked Mark Klecker, Amber Bjork, Rose Walker, Lance Hovland and Joel Donna for being a
part of the Community Appreciation Event on August 5.
Announced that Chris White has joined the Electric Department has as an Electric Meter
Technician.
ADJOURNMENT:
MSC Thum/Hovland to adjourn. Motion caried unanimously. UAB Vice Chair Bjork
adjourned the meeting at 7:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Executive Assistant Lanae Nelson

5

MEMORANDUM
TO:

Mayor Page and City Council Members

FROM:

Karen Berstrom, Human Resources Director

DATE:

October 27, 2026

TITLE:

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2027 HEALTH AND DENTAL INSURANCE
RENEWAL

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve the resolution for the 2027 health and dental insurance renewal with Wisconsin Counties
Association/Group Health Trust and Health Partners dental.
BACKGROUND
The City transitioned its health insurance coverage from HealthPartners to Medica in 2022. The chart
below illustrates the annual premium increases over the past five years.

WCA/GHT
Health
Partners
Medica
Health
Partners
Dental

2022 Total
Premium %
Change

2023 Total
Premium %
Change

2024 Total
Premium %
Change

2025 Total
Premium %
Change

2026 Total
Premium %
Change

2027 Total
Premium %
Change
11%

4.8%
0%

0%
0%

12%
4.7%

1.4%
0%

19%
-5%

12.5%
4.92%
-5.0%

DISCUSSION
City Administrator Simpson, Finance Director Solinger, and Human Resources Director Bergstrom
reviewed the City’s health and dental insurance renewals with USI, the City’s contracted benefits broker.
Due to an unfavorable 19% renewal increase for health insurance, staff recommends transitioning to the
WCA Group Health Trust (WCA/GHT) for 2027 with a plan design change that increases the deductible.
The dental plan will remain the same with a -5% renewal decrease.
WCA/GHT serves Wisconsin counties, cities, towns, villages, and school districts and is structured to
meet the employee health benefit needs of local government employers. The proposed arrangement
would utilize the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus provider network, which is broader than the City’s current
Medica network. Although the arrangement is fully insured, its administrative structure and operations
have similarities to self-funded plans.

Memorandum to Mayor and City Council
October 27, 2026
Page 2
As part of the renewal process, USI marketed the City’s health insurance coverage to other carriers.
HealthPartners declined to provide a quote, and Allina did not provide a responsive proposal.
Current health insurance renewal trends in Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest are generally estimated at
7%–10%. The city has experienced favorable renewals over the past five years, with the exception of
2025. In 2025, the City also increased the employee share of health insurance premiums from 12.5% to
15% to help offset the higher renewal.
Given the proposed 19% renewal increase, staff believes transitioning to WCA/GHT provides an
opportunity to manage health insurance costs while continuing to offer employees access to a broad
provider network. To help mitigate the impact of the renewal increase, the transition includes a plan
design change to a slightly higher deductible.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed renewal premium would result in a 11% increase for 2027 for health and a -5% for dental
insurance premiums.
The current and proposed health and dental costs including HRA contributions are as follows:
Health
Insurance
Employee
Share
Employer
Share
Number
Covered
Annual City
Cost
Including
HRA

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

12.5%

12.5%

12.5%

15%

15%

15%

87.5%

87.5%

87.5%

85%

85%

85%

100

101

93

96

90

90

$2,002,255

$2,053,943

$1,902,655

$2,084,660

$2,023,797

$2,275,545

Dental
Insurance
Employee
Share
Employer
Share
Annual City
Cost

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

$69,721

$65,491

$61,115

62,338

$64,449

$63,866

Sources
General Fund
Electric
Sewer
Water

Uses
$1,294,489 City Share of Health/Dental Premiums
472,880
317,653
211,707

$1,294,489
472,880
317,653
211,707

Memorandum to Mayor and City Council
October 27, 2026
Page 3

Library
Facilities
Stormwater
Information Technology
Total

133,489
98,288
79,338
31,360
$2,639,204 Total

133,489
98,288
79,338
31,360
$ 2,639,204

CONCLUSION
Providing quality health and dental insurance for employees is one of the traditional benefits offered by
the City. Continuing our efforts as the employer of choice, affordable and comprehensive health care
options are important for retention and recruitment. Staff recommends approving the resolution for the
2027 health and dental insurance renewal as outlined in the memo. Each year, we will continue to
explore plan design options and costs for all family situations.

RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION APPROVING RENEWAL OF HEALTH AND DENTAL INSURANCE
(WISCONSIN COUNTIES ASSOCIATION/GROUP HEALTH TRUST AND
HEALTHPARTNERS DENTAL)
WHEREAS, health and dental proposals were solicited in 2021 for the 2022 plan year from
insurance providers; and
WHEREAS, Medica was selected as the health insurance provider and HealthPartners Dental
was selected as the dental insurance provider; and
WHEREAS, health and dental proposal were solicited in 2026 for the 2027 plan year from
insurance providers; and Wisconsin Counties Association/Group Health Trust was selected as
the health insurance provider in 2027; and
WHEREAS, the city dental will remain the same with HealthPartners Dental for 2027; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of River Falls
hereby approves the renewal of health and dental insurance with the Wisconsin Counties
Association/Group Health Trust and HealthPartners Dental, respectively, for the period of
January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027, and authorizes the City Administrator to execute
the required renewal documents.
Dated this 27th day of October, 2026.

ATTEST:

Amy White, City Clerk

_____________________________
Alison H. Page, Mayor

6

MEMORANDUM
TO:

Mayor Page and City Council

FROM:

Erica Ellefson, Public Works Manager

DATE:

October 27, 2026

TITLE:

RESOLUTION APPROVING YARD WASTE SITE GRINDING SERVICES
CONTRACT

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a resolution awarding the contract for yard waste site grinding services to Sylvesters
Custom Grinding for a three (3) year term, with one optional two (2) year extension.
BACKGROUND
The City of River Falls contracts yard waste site grinding services at the City of River Falls Yard
Waste Drop Site located at 901 W. Locust St.

DISCUSSION

The City has identified a need to contract for yard waste site grinding services at the City’s Yard
Waste Drop Site. The yard waste drop site is open to City of River Falls residents to dispose of
their yard debris including grass clippings, leaves, woody debris, and tree branches. City staff use
the site to drop dead trees and limbs that fall from the right of way and City property and leaves
swept by the street sweeper.
A Request for Proposals (RFP) for yard waste side grinding services was advertised on
September 21, 2026. The RFP was posted on the City’s website, published in the Pierce County
Journal, and directly distributed to three qualified service providers. By the submission deadline
of 12:00 p.m. on October 12, the City received two proposals. Submissions were received from
Sylvesters Custom Grinding and Toft’s Outdoor.
Following a thorough review of the proposals, Sylvester Custom Grinding has been identified as
the most responsible and cost-effective respondent. Their proposed costs for tree debris and yard
debris grinding were lower than that of Toft’s Outdoor. Sylvester Custom Grinding is the City’s
current yard waste site grinding contractor and has been providing yard waste site grinding
services to the City since 2018.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATION
Attached is the submitted proposal, which outlines the cost for each material to be ground and
hauled away.

Memorandum to Mayor and City Council
October 27, 2026
Page 2
The table below provides the estimated annual cost based on previous three-year average, paid
out of the solid waste fund.
Sources
Solid Waste Fund

Amount Uses
$49,400 Sylvester Custom Grinding

Total Sources

$49,400 Total Uses

Amount
$49,400
$49,400

CONCLUSION
Staff recommend City Council award the contract for yard waste site griding services to Sylvester
Custom Grinding for a three (3) year term, with one optional two (2) year extension and authorizes
the City Administrator to enter into a contract for services.

City of River Falls Request for Proposals (RFP)
Yard Waste Site Grinding Services
Sylvester Custom Grinding is a locally owned St Croix County Family business
that has offered on site Tree debris & Compost grinding services for over 45
years.
Our Mulch processing and tree/yard waste drop off site is located at 962 US Hwy
12 in Roberts, WI. 54023
None of the mulch will be buried or brought to landfills!
100% of the mulch, when hauled off your site will either be hauled to the Bio energy
burn plant in St. Paul or reused to make landscape mulch.
• Our on-site equipment:
1. 2026 Rotochopper B666L 1,000 HP-Horizontal Grinder
2. 2023 Vermeer 1,000 HP-6800 Horizontal Wood Grinder
3. 2018 FP66 Roto Chopper 730 HP-Horizontal Wood Grinder.
4. 2026 – CAT 323 Excavator with rotating grapple
5. 2023 – CAT 323 Excavator with rotating grapple
6. 2025 – CAT 938 front end loader 8 yd bucket
7. 2023 – CAT 930 front end loader 6 yd bucket
All our Grinders are mounted on tracks to make moving around your site safe
and efficient.
• We charge by the finished cubic yard measured with our Rotolink Volumetric
scanning System that totals the finished yards for billing. The Rotolink
system is 99.85% accurate.
• Daily totals will be sent to your city staff representative.

• We will clean up site after we are done grinding and or hauling to save
time on city crews.
• If awarded this contract, we can proceed on December 1st, 2026
• We currently work for over 47 cities, county, and governmental agencies
throughout Minnesota & Wisconsin. Included in this proposal is a partial
list of references.
1. City of Prescott – Mike Kinneman, 651-269-8437
2. City of Hudson – Kevin Soltis – 715-781-2683
3. City of Eau Claire – Matt Staudenmaier – 715-577-7302

If awarded this contract, we would respectfully decline the CPI
adjustment that is offered in Exhibit B #3 b.
Therefore, saving the city of RF additional money on the full term
of this contract.

City of River Falls

Request for Proposals (RFP)
Yard Waste Site Grinding Services
Issue Date: September 21, 2026
Exhibit A – Pricing Proposal RFP Worksheet
Organization: Sylvester Custom Grinding, Inc,
Address: 2230 30th Ave
City, State, Zip Code: Baldwin, WI 54002
Contact Person: Steve Sylvester
Telephone Number: Cell – 612-720-5286
Email Address: [email protected] – [email protected]
In compliance with the Request for Proposals, and subject to all conditions thereof, the undersigned offers
and agrees, if this proposal is accepted, to furnish the services as outlined herein, to provide the services as
enumerated within the Request for Proposals herein for the City of River Falls, Wisconsin, in the amount
indicated, subject to modification through negotiations which may be conducted pursuant to conditions set
forth in the Request for Proposal.

Tree Debris Grinding
Equipment Brand and Year:

See attached letter

Equipment Mobilization Cost

$0.00

Grind to 3” – 4” mulch per cubic yard

$6.00

Double Grind per cubic yard

$3.00

Haul Away and Disposal per cubic yard

$2.00

Yard Debris Grinding
Equipment Brand and Year:

See attached letter

Equipment Mobilization Cost

$0.00

Hourly Cost for Grinding (down time or break downs are not to

$700.00

billed)

Hourly Cost for Front End Loader, bucket and
operator
Haul Away and Disposal per cubic yard

$125.00
$0.00

Below is a partial list of some of our Wisconsin government contacts,
Please feel free to call or email them if needed.
1. City of River Falls – Erica Ellefson * 715-426-3406 [email protected]
2. City of Hudson – Kevin Soltis * 715-781-2683- [email protected]
3. Village of Elk Mound – Terry * 715-379-3728
4. City of Prescott – Mike Kinneman * 715-262-5544 [email protected]
5. Barron County – Brent Bohn * 715-541-2527 – [email protected]
6. City of Altoona – Nic Johnson * 715-450-3973 – [email protected]
7. City of Eau Claire – Matt Staudenmaier * 715-577-7302 [email protected]
8. Village of Spring Valley – Steve * 715-145-9251 [email protected]
9. Polk County WI. – Moe Norby * 715-557-0320 – [email protected]
10. City of St. Croix Falls – Matt Larsen*715-553-1294 - [email protected]
11. Village of Clear Lake – Aaron Buhr - *715-491-2618 – [email protected]
12. City of Shell Lake – Mitch Brown * 715-416-0547 – [email protected]

RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF YARD WASTE SITE GRINDING
SERVICES CONTRACT
WHEREAS, the City of River Falls solicited a request for proposals for yard waste site grinding
services on September 21, 2026; and
WHEREAS, The City of River Falls received two (2) proposals by the noon deadline on October
13, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Sylvester Custom Grinding submitted the lowest responsible proposal; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the River Falls Common Council award the contract
to Sylvester Custom Grinding for an initial three (3) year term with optional two (2) year extension
and authorize the City Administrator to enter into an agreement for the same.
Dated this 27th day of October 2026

__________________________
Alison H. Page, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Amy White, City Clerk

7
MEMORANDUM
TO:

Mayor Page and City Councilmembers

FROM:

Cindy Campbell, Customer Service Lead

DATE:

October 27, 2026

TITLE:

RESOLUTION APPROVING SHARED RIDE TAXI OPERATING AND CAPITAL
GRANT APPLICATION TO STATE OF WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION FOR 2027

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approval of the attached resolution authorizing an application to the State of Wisconsin for
operating assistance grant funds from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Information
on the City’s Shared Ride program can be found on the website.
BACKGROUND
The City applies annually for an operating grant from the State of Wisconsin to fund the sharedride taxi program and applies, as needed, for a replacement vehicle through the capital grant
process. Approval of the resolution will authorize staff to prepare and apply for the 2027 fiscal
year. The City has received an annual operating grant for taxi services since 1985.
DISCUSSION
Operating Assistance
Operating grant revenue will assist the City in funding the shared-ride taxi service through 2027.
Due to the increase in cost of providing the service, City staff is evaluating current passenger
fares and anticipates a proposal for review by the City Council.
Capital Assistance
The current vehicle inventory consists of two 2019 accessible van, one 2022 accessible van. We
are currently using the following timeline for a projected van replacement schedule.
•
•
•

Applied for and received capital grant in 2026, replace 2019 van with highest mileage in
2027
Apply for capital grant for 2027, replace 2019 van in 2028
Apply for capital grant for 2028, replace 2022 van in 2029

One 2019 van has nearly 190,000 miles, the other has over 140,000 miles and the 2022 van has
over 85,000 miles. It is anticipated that the new van will cost $85,000 each based on the estimated
2026 State vehicle purchase contract. The City would pay $17,000 of the cost of the new van
(20%). The expected ordering timeframe is January, or as soon as the State vehicle contract is
available.

Memorandum to Mayor and City Council
October 27, 2026
Page 2
Current Operations
As of October 1, 2026, the current schedule is Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00
p.m.; Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hours of
operation will be evaluated and adjusted as necessary, annually.
The 2027 annual operating cost of the taxi service is a maximum of $389,133, which is based on
the flat hourly rate of $42.38 paid to Running, Inc. for 9,182 operating hours. This hourly rate is
based on the recent request for proposals. Funding is provided through federal and state grants,
county reimbursements, local tax dollars, and fare revenues. In general, the following is the
allocation of funding for the operating portion of the shared ride program:
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Funding Source

2025

Fare Revenues/Vouchers
Federal Grant-Operation
State Grant
Estimated County Grant
City Share-Operation
Max Cost of Service

$62,000
$151,697
$46,454
$18,000
$93,074
$378,780

2026
Estimate
$64,193
$156,743
$43,206
$18,000
$88,352
$370,494

2027
Estimate
$73,880
$160,000
$34,566
$18,000
$120,000
$389,133

2025 to 2026 Funding Source Distributions
$450,000
$400,000
$350,000
$300,000
$250,000
$200,000
$150,000
$100,000
$50,000
$-

2025

2026 Estimates

CONCLUSION
Staff are requesting approval of the resolution authorizing the application for operating and capital
assistance for the share-ride taxi service for 2027.

RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION APPROVING SHARED RIDE TAXI GRANT APPLICATION
TO THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FOR OPERATING AND CAPITAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE YEAR 2027
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of River Falls approved Resolution No. 550
establishing a Shared Ride Taxi System for the City of River Falls; and
WHEREAS, the City of River Falls subsequently established a Shared Ride Taxi system in
October of 1985; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of River Falls
hereby authorizes the City to submit a grant application for operating and capital assistance to
the State of Wisconsin to provide for a State and Federal subsidized taxi service. The application
shall be based upon expenditure and revenue projections which obligate the City of River Falls to
minimum annual operating costs for the provision of services.
Dated this 27th day of October 2026.

ATTEST:

Amy White, City Clerk

Alison H. Page, Mayor

8
MEMORANDUM
TO:

Mayor Page and City Council

FROM:

Cindy Campbell, Customer Service Lead

DATE:

October 27, 2026

TITLE:

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE
AGREEMENT WITH RUNNING INC.

2027

PUBLIC

TRANSIT

LEASE

____________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approval of the resolution authorizing the City Administrator to finalize the lease agreement with
Running Inc.
BACKGROUND
The City of River Falls receives state and federal grant dollars to help fund a shared-ride taxi
program. This taxi service provides rides within the City limits and in a 5-mile radius of the City
including the Hudson Hospital and Dialysis Center.
DISCUSSION
In July 2024, the City issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the 2025/2026 calendar years to
comply with federal and state grant requirements. Proposal information was posted on the State
of Wisconsin Vendor Net and were available to State approved firms that are qualified to manage
the taxi service. The City received proposals from two qualified vendors. Based on the
committee’s rating results, Running, Inc. was selected as the service provider for the 2025 and
2026 calendar years, with options to extend for three additional years. 2027 is the first option
extension year and will require an updated lease agreement. Running, Inc. is a transportation
service provider with 30 years of experience in public transportation and operates 32 shared ride
taxi programs in the State of Wisconsin.
Public Transit Lease Agreement
The City owns three taxi vehicles which were purchased primarily with federal grant funds. The
City leases the vehicles to the approved taxi provider at no charge under the conditions outlined
in the attached agreement. The agreement is renewed annually. This equipment is provided to
the service contractor as part of the agreement with Running, Inc.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends approving the River Falls Public Transit Lease Agreement resolution with
Running Inc.

RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION APPROVING 2027 PUBLIC TRANSIT LEASE AGREEMENT WITH RUNNING, INC.
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of River Falls wishes to provide shared-ride taxi service
for the City of River Falls for year 2027; and
WHEREAS, Running, Inc. was selected as the Service Provider for 2025 and 2026 with renewal
options for three additional one-year periods being 2027, 2028, and 2029; and
WHEREAS, an agreement has been prepared to lease vehicles to Running, Inc. for the year 2027; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of River Falls hereby
approves the lease agreement between the City of River Falls and Running, Inc. for the year 2027;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Administrator is authorized to sign on behalf the City.
Dated this 27th day of October 2026.

ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Amy White, City Clerk

_________________________________
Alison H. Page, Mayor

2027 PUBLIC TRANSIT LEASE AGREEMENT
Between
The City of River Falls
and
Running Inc.

This Agreement specifies terms under which The City of River Falls hereinafter referred to as
Lessor, leases one or more vehicles to Running Inc, hereinafter referred to as Lessee. This
lease is affected by virtue of Lessor’s public transit service operating contract with Lessee.
“Department” herein means the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. “Leased vehicle”
herein means a vehicle covered by this lease.
SECTION 1. TERM
Lessor hereby leases the following vehicle(s) to Lessee starting on January 1, 2027, and
ending exactly one year later, or on the end date of the Lessor’s current public transit service
contract with the Lessee, whichever comes first.
SECTION 2. VEHICLE INFORMATION

Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)

Model
Year

2C4RC1CG4NR224222

2022

2C7WDGBG9KR683720

2019

2C7WDGBG0KR798836

2019

Body
Make and Model

(cutaways and ADA
minivans only)

CHRYSLER
VOYAGER
DODGE
CARAVAN SE
DODGE
CARAVAN SE

1

Vehicle Type
(e.g., minivan,
medium bus)
MINIVAN
MINIVAN
MINIVAN

SECTION 3. EXECUTION OF LEASE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF this Agreement shall become effective upon its complete execution
by Lessor and Lessee.
For City of River Falls

For Running Inc.

Signature

Signature

Scot Simpson
City Administrator
Date:

Justin Running
Vice President
Date:

Signature

Amanda Running
Director of Personnel
Date:

2

SECTION 4. CONDITIONS
This Agreement is one of leasing only, and the Lessee shall not acquire any right, title or
interest to vehicle(s) leased other than that of Lessee. The Lessee acknowledges that the
Lessor owns (subject to any Department liens) the vehicle(s) subject to this Agreement.
Nothing herein shall affect Lessor’s absolute ownership of any title or interest to said
vehicle(s).
The Lessee shall lease and operate the vehicle(s) in accordance with the service
characteristics described in the Lessor’s operating assistance grant agreement with the
Department.
Department approval is required for incidental use of the leased vehicle(s), and any such use
must be compatible with the original purposes of the grant. The incidental use must not in
any way interfere with the Lessor’s continuing control over the use of the vehicle(s) or the
Lessee’s continued ability to carry out the service described in its shared ride taxi operating
contract with Lessor.
The Lessee will comply with the terms, conditions and obligations included in the grant
agreement executed between the Lessor and the Department so as not to impair the Lessor’s
relationship with the Department, nor cause Lessor to be in default of any agreement with the
Department. Any breach of this Agreement shall be considered a default by the Lessee.
The Lessee agrees that it will not use or permit the use of the leased vehicle(s) in any
negligent or improper manner, or in violation of any statute, law or ordinance, or so as to void
any insurance or warranty covering the vehicle(s), or permit any vehicle(s) to become subject
to any lien, charge or encumbrance which may affect the Lessor’s title to the vehicle(s).
The Lessee shall not mortgage, pledge, sell, or otherwise encumber or dispose of the
vehicle(s) provided under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Both parties agree to abide by the relevant rules and regulations provided by the Federal
Transit Administration (FTA), specifically the most current FTA Master Agreement. The most
recent version of the FTA Master Agreement is found at the FTA’s website
(https://www.transit.dot.gov/).
Lessee agrees to review and comply with the annual FTA Certification and Assurances
signed by the Lessor, the most recent version of which can be found at FTA’s website
(https://www.transit.dot.gov/).
Both parties agree to abide by the relevant rules and regulations provided by the Department,
(including those of the Division of Motor Vehicles) and regulating authorities in any State or
County in which the vehicle(s) are operated under the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
SECTION 5. REPRESENTATION AND WARRANTIES
In consideration of the Lessor entering into this Agreement, the Lessee represents and
warrants:
A. The Lessee is in good standing under the laws of the State of Wisconsin and has the
power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted; to own, lease and operate
its property and assets; and to execute this Agreement and any other agreements and
instruments referred to in this Agreement.
3

B. The Lessee has and will continue to have during the term of this Agreement, all necessary
licenses, certifications, or other documents required by any federal, state or local
governmental agency, which authorize or empower the services to be performed by the
Lessee.
SECTION 6. REGISTRATION
The leased vehicle(s) shall bear the proper license plate(s) in accordance with the governing
grant. The title to such vehicle(s) is to be registered in the name of the Lessor, subject to the
lien rights of the Department. All annual registration, license fees, and safety inspection
costs shall be paid by the Lessor.
The Lessor will maintain ownership of the vehicle(s) obtained through the grant program.
The Lessor shall have full authority to exercise its responsibilities as owner of the vehicle(s)
provided under the terms and conditions of this lease.
SECTION 7. INSURANCE
Insurance levels, categories and premium payments for all leased vehicles shall be the
responsibility of the Lessee.
Insurance shall include such coverage as required by the grant agreement between the
Lessor and the Department, and shall meet the requirements of applicable local, state and
federal laws. The Lessor must be named as the payee for all payments relating to vehicle
damage or loss.
The insurance shall be primary, and not excessive or contributory, with respect to any
accident involving such vehicle(s), and shall at minimum afford the following coverage:
A. Bodily injury liability, each person:

$100,000

B. Bodily injury liability, each accident:

$1,000,000

C. Property damage liability, each accident:
D. General liability, bodily injury and property damage:

$100,000
$1,000,000

The Lessee shall bear all risks of damage or loss of the leased vehicle(s), or any portion of
damage or loss not covered by insurance. All replacements, repairs, or substitutions of
leased vehicle parts or equipment shall be at the cost and expense of the Lessee and shall
be accessions to the vehicle(s).
SECTION 8. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
The Lessee shall, at all times and at Lessee’s expense, maintain the leased vehicle(s) in
working order and at a high level of cleanliness, safety, and mechanical soundness. The
Lessee shall take all reasonable efforts to insure against theft and vandalism. The Lessee
agrees to return each leased vehicle in the condition in which it was received, except for
reasonable wear and tear.
The Lessee agrees to adhere to all provisions of the Lessor’s vehicle maintenance plan on
file with the Department, and to any changes or addendums made to the plan.
The Lessee shall be responsible for scheduling, completing and documenting all preventative
maintenance. All such maintenance shall be consistent with manufacturer specifications, the
Lessor’s vehicle maintenance plan, and Department guidelines. The Lessee shall be
4

responsible for ensuring the completion of, and payment for, all necessary repairs
SECTION 9. VEHICLE OPERATION
The Lessee shall ensure that only properly trained and licensed drivers operate the leased
vehicle(s). The Lessee shall provide the Lessor with the names of all individuals whom it
authorizes to operate the vehicle(s) and shall provide the name of each before said individual
may operate the vehicle(s).
The leased vehicle(s) shall not be used in violation of any federal, state or municipal statutes,
laws, ordinances, rules or regulations. The Lessee shall not use any leased vehicle, nor
allow any such vehicle to be used, for any unlawful purpose or for the transportation of any
property or material deemed hazardous. Respirators, concentrators, or portable oxygen used
by individuals are not considered hazardous materials.
The Lessee shall operate the leased vehicle(s) only on designated roads and shall not
subject the vehicle(s) to use under such road conditions as may result in damage to the
vehicle(s).
SECTION 10.

CIVIL RIGHTS

The Lessee shall comply with all federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination that apply,
including, but not limited to:
A. The prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as
provided in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. 2000d;
B. The prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of sex, as provided in: (a) Title IX of
the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1681 – 1683, and 1685 –
1687, and (b) U.S. DOT regulations, “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education
Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance,” 49 CFR part 25;
C. The prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of age in federally funded programs,
as provided in the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6101 – 6107;
D. The prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of disability in federally funded
programs, as provided in section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29
U.S.C. 794; and
E. The prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of disability, as provided in the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.
The Lessee agrees to comply with all terms of the Lessor’s approved Title VI Plan and of any
changes or addenda thereupon. The Lessee is responsible for proper posting of a valid Title
VI public notice in each leased vehicle at all times.
SECTION 11.

ADDITIONAL FEES

The Lessee shall pay any and all storage charges, parking fees, and fines which are levied
against Lessee as a result of the improper acts of Lessee or its employees.
The Lessor shall pay any fees (including vehicle registration and inspection fees) and/or
taxes which may be imposed with respect to the leased vehicle(s) by any duly constituted
governmental authority as the result of Lessee’s use or intended use of the vehicle(s).
5

SECTION 12.

AUDITS, INSPECTIONS, AND REPORTING

The Lessee shall be responsible for providing any and all data pertaining to services provided
using the leased vehicle(s) as requested upon reasonable notice by the Lessor. The data
required may include, but is not limited to, vehicle maintenance records, trip logs, and
ridership data.
The Lessee agrees to complete all reports and documents required by the Lessor and/or the
Department in a timely fashion. Such reports will be sent to the Lessee on or before
specified deadlines.
The Lessor, Department or FTA, or any designee thereof, may at any time audit and/or
inspect the leased vehicle(s) and attendant records for compliance with the provisions of this
Agreement. The Lessee agrees to comply with all requests to make equipment available as
requested by the aforementioned parties for completion of audits.
The Lessee agrees to preserve for a period of five (5) years after the termination of the
Agreement, all reports, insurance policies, trip sheets, and other data pertaining to
compliance with any and all terms of the Agreement.
The Lessee is responsible to arrange for and obtain inspections of motor buses and human
service vehicles leased under this Agreement as required by federal and state law. In all
such cases, Lessee shall send a copy of the inspection report to the Lessor.
SECTION 13.

LIABILITY

The Lessee agrees to hold harmless the Lessor and the State of Wisconsin from any and all
claims, losses, causes of action, and expense, for whatever reason, including legal expenses
and reasonable attorney fees, arising from the use, maintenance, and operations of the
vehicle(s) leased under this Agreement.
SECTION 14.

LEASE MANAGEMENT

The overall supervision and monitoring of compliance with lease specifications shall be the
responsibility of the Lessee. The Lessee will address and resolve concerns or questions
regarding this Agreement or operation of the leased vehicles with the Lessor.
This Agreement or any part thereof may be renegotiated in circumstances where changes
are required by federal law or regulations, state law or regulations, court orders or actions, or
when the parties agree that a new lease would better meet their needs than existing terms
and conditions of this lease.
Any revisions to this lease must be agreed to by both parties, as evidenced by an addendum
signed by the authorized representative of each party and approved by the Department.
SECTION 15.

TERMINATION

If directed by the Department or other state agency, the Lessee must return the leased
vehicle(s) within five (5) days of notice to the Lessor, and at such time, lease provisions are
terminated. Otherwise, the Lessor may terminate this Agreement by giving thirty (30) days
written notice, at which time the Agreement is terminated.
Immediately upon termination, the Lessee agrees to turn over all maintenance records and
histories to the Lessor at no additional cost to the Lessor.
6

Failure to comply with any provisions of this Agreement by any party shall be considered due
cause for termination of the lease.
SECTION 16.

SUBLEASE RESTRICTIONS

Subleasing or renting the leased vehicle(s) is prohibited.
SECTION 17.

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS

No additional conditions apply.

7

9

MEMORANDUM
TO:

Mayor Page and City Council Members

FROM:

Cindy Campbell, Customer Service Lead

DATE:

October 27, 2026

TITLE:

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO NEGOTIATE AND
APPROVE REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENTS BETWEEN CITY OF RIVER
FALLS AND PIERCE/ST. CROIX COUNTIES REGARDING SHARED RIDE TAXI
FUNDS FOR THE YEAR 2027

RECOMMENDED ACTION
The attached resolution authorizes the City Administrator to negotiate and approve the
reimbursement agreements with Pierce and St. Croix Counties for the City’s shared ride taxi
service for 2027.
BACKGROUND
The City of River Falls receives State and Federal grant dollars to help fund a shared-ride taxi
program operated by a third party. This taxi service is open to anyone and covers the area within
the City of River Falls as well as five miles outside the city limits.
DISCUSSION
The reimbursement agreements with Pierce and St. Croix Counties are approved annually to
assist with the local share of the taxi service costs. Each county has consistently provided an
estimate of $18,000 combined annually. Annually, staff works with each county to maximize the
annual contribution.
CONCLUSION
Through passage of this resolution, the City Administrator will negotiate and approve the
reimbursement agreements with Pierce and St. Croix Counties to determine their 2027
contribution to the City’s shared-ride taxi service.

RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO
NEGOTIATE AND APPROVE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN
CITY OF RIVER FALLS AND PIERCE/ST. CROIX COUNTIES
REGARDING SHARED-RIDE TAXI FUNDS
FOR THE YEAR 2027
WHEREAS, the City of River Falls is submitting our annual grant proposal to the State of
Wisconsin and the Federal Government to operate a taxi service in River Falls; and
WHEREAS, the grant proposal requires local financial support to operate the service; and
WHEREAS, St. Croix and Pierce Counties have agreed to fund the local share requirement; and
WHEREAS, the City Administrator will be negotiating the reimbursement agreements between
the City of River Falls and the Counties describing all parties' obligations to the system; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of River Falls that it
hereby authorizes the City Administrator to negotiate and approve the reimbursement agreements
between the City of River Falls and Pierce and St. Croix Counties.
Dated this 27th day of October 2026.

ATTEST:

Amy White, City Clerk

Alison H. Page, Mayor

10
MEMORANDUM
TO:

Mayor Page and City Council Members

FROM:

Gordon Young, Police Chief

DATE:

October 27, 2026

TITLE:

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ACCEPTANCE OF FY26 COPS
TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT PROGRAM AWARD
____________________________________________________________________________

RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve the resolution accepting the FY26 Cops Technology and Program award.
BACKGROUND
The City of River Falls has been awarded $431,183 through the U.S. Department of Justice’s
Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) FY2026 Technology and
Equipment Program (TEP). The City’s project is identified in the federal program’s application
resource guide as the City of River Falls Enhanced Communication and Public Safety Assurance
Project.
The TEP program provides federal funding to designated state and local governments and other
eligible entities to acquire law enforcement equipment, technology, and interoperable
communications systems. The program is intended to improve law enforcement effectiveness,
support crime prevention and response, and enhance the exchange of information among law
enforcement agencies, government service providers, and the communities they serve.
The grant will support the procurement of new radio tower communications equipment for the
City. Reliable communications infrastructure is an important component of public safety
operations, supporting the ability of emergency personnel to communicate and coordinate their
response. The federal program specifically identifies communication technology, radio upgrades,
and interoperability systems as examples of eligible equipment.
DISCUSSION
The grant award provides $431,183 in federal funding, with no local matching contribution
required. Acceptance of the award will allow the City to use these funds toward the approved
communications equipment project without a required local financial match. Grant expenditures
must remain consistent with the approved project scope and applicable federal requirements.
The program generally provides a 24-month project period. Equipment procurement and grant
administration will be subject to applicable federal award conditions, financial reporting
requirements, and procurement standards.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the accompanying resolution accepting the
$431,183 grant award and authorizing the City Administrator to execute the grant agreement and

Memorandum to Mayor and City Council
October 27, 2026
Page 2
any other documents necessary to administer the award. This authorization would also allow
coordination with the grantor regarding subsequent amendments consistent with the resolution’s
stated purpose.
CONCLUSION
Adopt the resolution authorizing acceptance and administration of the FY2026 COPS Technology
and Equipment Program grant in the amount of $431,183 for the procurement of new radio tower
communications equipment.

RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ACCEPTANCE OF FY26 COPS TECHNOLOGY AND
EQUIPMENT PROGRAM AWARD
WHEREAS, the City of River Falls was awarded grant funding totaling $431,183 from the FY26
COPS Technology and Equipment Program provided by US Department of Justice for the
purpose of procuring new radio tower communications equipment; and
WHEREAS, a local match is not required; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that grants are a fiscally responsible way to help fund project
costs; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City Administrator or designee is hereby authorized
to execute any document associated with this grant, including a grant agreement, if applicable,
and to effectuate the intent of the City Council to accept and use this grant funding for the purpose
described herein or as subsequently amended in coordination with the grantor.
Dated this 27th day of October, 2026.

ATTEST:

Amy White, City Clerk

Alison H. Page, Mayor

11

MEMORANDUM
TO:

Mayor Page and City Council Members

FROM:

Scot Simpson, City Administrator
Gordon Young, Chief of Police

DATE:

October 27, 2026

TITLE:

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE TERMINATION OF THE CITY’S
AGREEMENT WITH FLOCK GROUP INC, DBA FLOCK SAFETY

INTRODUCTION
The River Falls Police Department has completed its evaluation of its continued relationship with
Flock Group Inc., DBA Flock Safety ("Flock"), and has determined that the City should discontinue
use of the company's automated license plate reader (ALPR) services.
This determination follows concerns regarding Flock's data management practices, contractual
transparency, responsiveness, and the level of trust and accountability necessary for a company
providing technology to law enforcement.
The decision is not based on the assessment that ALPR technology lacks investigative value. Rather,
it reflects the Chief of Police's assessment that the department can no longer maintain the level of
confidence in Flock Safety necessary to justify continuing the relationship.
This memorandum outlines the circumstances for that conclusion and outlines the request for
Council to support a resolution to end the contract for Flock services and reallocate that funding to
the City’s 2027-2028 general fund.
BACKGROUND
The police department has utilized Flock Safety’s ALPR system as a public safety and investigative
tool since signing the Master Services Agreement on December 5, 2024. The existing contract
extends through December 2028, with an annual service cost of $27,000 paid through the General
Fund.
The City’s nine cameras were placed in service to take images of license plate information to help
identify vehicles associated with criminal investigations, missing persons, and other public safety
concerns. The technology has provided measurable investigative benefits. As outlined in the
September 2026 FAQ, the Flock cameras had assisted the police department in 33 arrests as of

Memorandum to Mayor and City Council
October 27, 2026
Page 2
August 27, 2026, including investigations involving burglary, vehicle theft, and fraud. The police
department’s use of the system is governed by its ALPR policy, with incident-related activity logs and
oversight by the deputy police chief. Information was generally retained for 30 days unless
associated with an open investigation.
DISCUSSION
EVALUATION OF SERVICE
1. Data Security and Stewardship
The responsible management of information collected through law enforcement technology is a
fundamental obligation of the police department. This responsibility includes ensuring that
information is retained, accessed, shared, and otherwise handled consistently with applicable
agreements, policies, and public expectations.
In late July 2026, the City of Sheboygan Police Department became aware of an email dated March
24, 2026, from a Flock Safety account executive offering to sell the Sheboygan Department of Public
Works anonymized traffic information, including traffic volume, vehicle types, and speed data.
According to the information brought to the River Falls Police Department's attention, the offer
involved up to five years of data derived from the 15 Flock cameras already deployed in Sheboygan
under that municipality's Master Services Agreement.
The River Falls Police Department subsequently became aware of this communication and the
contractual concerns it raised.
The Sheboygan agreement reportedly contained provisions stating that Flock did not own and could
not sell customer data or anonymized data, and that the retention period for customer data was 30
days.
The apparent inconsistency between those contractual provisions and the commercial offer raised
significant questions about Flock's interpretation of its obligations, its data retention practices, and
its potential use of information collected through municipal law enforcement systems.
The department recognizes that an offer involving another municipality does not, by itself, establish
that River Falls data was improperly retained, disclosed, or sold. Nevertheless, the circumstances
provide a legitimate basis for questioning whether Flock's practices are consistent with the
contractual protections and representations upon which municipal customers rely.
The Chief considers these concerns particularly significant because law enforcement agencies must
be able to demonstrate responsible stewardship of information obtained through public safety
activities. Confidence in the service provider's compliance with those responsibilities is essential.
2. Contractual Transparency and Accountability
The police department staff also identified significant concerns regarding Flock's responsiveness to
inquiries about the terms governing the City's agreement.
The City entered into its master services agreement with Flock on December 5, 2024. In evaluating
the contractual relationship, the department made repeated inquiries seeking a copy of the terms
and conditions applicable to the agreement at the time it was executed.

Memorandum to Mayor and City Council
October 27, 2026
Page 3
According to the department's account of those communications, Flock did not provide the requested
historical version of the terms and conditions. Instead, the company directed the department to terms
available through its website, which the department understood Flock to be treating as the currently
governing provisions.
This response raised concerns regarding the City's ability to establish with certainty the terms to
which the parties originally agreed and whether those terms could be changed without appropriate
mutual agreement.
A municipality must be able to identify and rely upon the contractual provisions governing the
expenditure of public funds, the handling of government information, and the responsibilities of its
service providers.
The inability to obtain a definitive copy of the governing terms undermines that confidence and raises
questions regarding contractual certainty, mutual assent, and the enforceability of particular
obligations.
These concerns warrant legal review. Regardless of the ultimate legal determination, the department
considers the lack of contractual clarity and responsiveness to be inconsistent with the transparency
expected of a company serving law enforcement agencies.
3. Vendor Reliability, Professional Standards, and Public Trust
The decision to utilize a public safety technology provider requires more than a determination that
the technology produces useful results. The Department must also be confident in the provider's
integrity, reliability, transparency, and willingness to respond appropriately when concerns are
raised.
Law enforcement agencies operate under substantial expectations of accountability. Those
expectations apply not only to the conduct of officers and employees but also to the relationships
maintained with private companies that provide services involving sensitive information.
The police department has established internal policies and oversight procedures governing access
to and use of ALPR information. Those safeguards are important, but they cannot independently
resolve concerns regarding the actions or practices of the company that operates the underlying
technology and maintains the associated systems.
The concerns arising from the Sheboygan communication, together with Flock's responses to the
department's contractual inquiries, have substantially diminished Chief Young’s confidence in the
company as a service provider.
The Chief's decision is therefore based on the cumulative effect of these concerns rather than a
single isolated issue.
While the department acknowledges the investigative successes associated with the system, those
benefits do not eliminate the obligation to evaluate whether the continued vendor relationship meets
the standards expected of a public safety organization.

Memorandum to Mayor and City Council
October 27, 2026
Page 4
Maintaining public trust requires the department to make decisions based on the totality of the
circumstances, including the conduct and reliability of its business partners.
Based on this evaluation, Chief Young has determined that continued reliance on Flock Safety is no
longer appropriate.
4. Operational and Fiscal Responsibility
The department recognizes that discontinuing Flock Safety services will result in the loss of an
investigative resource that has assisted officers in identifying vehicles associated with criminal
activity and other public safety matters. That consequence was considered in reaching the decision.
However, the operational value of a technology system must be weighed against the department's
responsibility to ensure that its continued use is supported by adequate contractual protections,
reliable vendor performance, and confidence in the handling of law enforcement information.
The Chief has concluded that the concerns identified during the evaluation outweigh the benefits of
maintaining the existing relationship with Flock.
The City's existing agreement extends through December 2028, at an annual cost of $27,000.
Continued appropriation of funding for a service the department has determined it should no longer
use, would not represent a responsible allocation of public resources. Accordingly, staff recommend
eliminating funding for Flock Safety services from the 2027 and 2028 police department budget,
reallocating that funding to the City’s 2027-2028 general fund, and pursuing termination of the
agreement in accordance with applicable contractual requirements.
INTERIM OPERATIONAL MEASURES
The police department has already taken steps to discontinue the operational use of the Flock
system while the City considers formal termination of the agreement.
External agency data sharing was disabled effective October 9, 2026. On October 16, 2026, the
police department covered all nine cameras, in coordination with public works. Further, the City has
no plans to replace Flock with similar technology at this time.
These actions reflect the department's determination that continued operational use of the system is
not appropriate while the contractual relationship is being concluded. The department recommends
that the camera coverings remain in place until Flock removes its equipment, with removal
coordinated through appropriate City personnel.
CONTRACT TERMINATION AND COUNCIL ACTION
Section 11.12 of the master services agreement identifies a termination mechanism associated with
the no appropriation of sufficient funding and includes a written notice requirement.
Staff is bringing forward a resolution requesting Council support the decision to end funding for Flock
Safety services and initiation of termination of the agreement, with an intended effective date of
December 31, 2026. This request also includes the support of reallocating the funding for the system
to the City’s 2027-2028 general fund.

Memorandum to Mayor and City Council
October 27, 2026
Page 5
CONCLUSION
Staff request that the Common Council approve the accompanying resolution that supports the
discontinuation of the agreement between Flock Group Inc., DBA Flock Safety and the City of River
Falls Police Department, including maintaining the existing camera coverings pending equipment
removal. Staff further request that the Common Council approve the removal of Flock Safety
appropriations from the proposed 2027 and 2028 police department budget and reallocation of that
funding to the City’s 2027-2028 general fund.
This approach would formally align the City's contractual and budgetary actions with the police
department's determination to discontinue the service.
The recommendation follows the department’s evaluation and reflects the importance of
transparency, accountability, professional service, and public trust in the selection and continued
use of public safety tools.

RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE TERMINATION OF THE CITY’S AGREEMENT WITH
FLOCK GROUP INC, DBA FLOCK SAFETY
WHEREAS, the City of River Falls entered into a master services agreement with Flock Group
Inc., DBA Flock Safety ("Flock"), on December 5, 2024, for automated license plate reader
services; and
WHEREAS, the River Falls Police Department has evaluated its continued use of Flock Safety
services, including the company's data management practices, contractual transparency,
responsiveness, and ability to meet the professional standards expected of a public safety
technology provider; and
WHEREAS, the Chief of Police has determined that continued use of Flock Safety services is
no longer appropriate based on the following considerations:
•
•
•
•

Data Security and Stewardship: Concerns regarding Flock's handling, retention, and
potential commercial use of customer data, including information arising from Flock's
communications with another Wisconsin municipality;
Contractual Transparency and Accountability: Concerns regarding Flock's failure to
provide the governing contractual terms in effect when the City's agreement was
executed and the resulting uncertainty regarding the parties' contractual obligations;
Vendor Reliability and Public Trust: A loss of confidence in Flock's transparency,
business practices, and ability to meet the accountability and professional standards
expected of a law enforcement technology provider;
Operational and Fiscal Responsibility: The Chief's determination that discontinuing
the service is appropriate notwithstanding its documented investigative benefits, and that
continued expenditure of public funds for the service is not justified; and

WHEREAS, the Chief's determination and the supporting circumstances are further explained in
the accompanying memorandum to the Mayor and Common Council dated October 27, 2026;
and
WHEREAS, provision 11.12 of the Master Services Agreement and Wis. Stat. § 65.06 allows the
City to terminate upon thirty days’ written notice should a future Common Council decide not to
appropriate adequate funding to support Flock safety services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of River Falls that
City staff are supported in the decision to provide appropriate written notice to Flock Group Inc.,
DBA Flock Safety, to terminate the City's master services agreement, with the intended
termination date of December 31, 2026, subject to applicable contractual requirements.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Common Council supports City staff in maintaining
coverings on existing Flock traffic cameras until such time as Flock Group Inc. removes the
hardware and devices from the City.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That the Common Council approves the actions of the Finance
Director and City Administrator to remove any appropriations for Flock safety services from the
2027 and 2028 police department budgets and reallocate those funds to the 2027-2028 general
fund.
Dated this 27th day of October, 2026.

ATTEST:

Amy White, City Clerk

Alison H. Page, Mayor