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C ommunity Development Department 222 Lewis Street River Falls, WI 54022 715.425.0900 www.rfcity.org PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES August 19 , 202 6 at 5:30 p.m. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER Meeting convened at 5: 30 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Matt Janquart (C hair ), Sean Downing (Council Rep) , Phil Galli, Brenda Gaulk e , Eli Guthrie, Melissa Pedrini, and Natasha Schaefer . Members Absent: None . Staff Present: Brooks Ostendorf - Conservation and Parks Manage r, Levi Myers - Natural Resources Coordinator , Kyle Mackey - Recreation Coordinator , and Brenda Rundle - Customer Service Representativ e . APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. MSC Schaefer/Downing approve the minutes of the July 15 , 202 6 Park and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) m eeting. Unanimous . PUBLIC COMMENTS William Hansen of the T own of River Falls expressed concern about protecting the native beave r population and removing non-native invasive brown trout when the City removes the Junction Falls D am which he says create s renewable energy , and that the removal will be partially paid for by utility customers. ACTION ITEM S 2. Natural Resources Coordinator Levi Myers discussed a proposed 2026 Forestry Management Plan which would establish the City ’s first comprehensive update to its forestry management strategy in more than twenty -five years and provide a clear roadmap for protecting, managing and expanding River Falls ’ urban forest . The plan will guide budgeting, annual work plans, grant applications, and long-term decision- making while ensuring the City ’s urban forest continues to provide environmental, economic, and social benefits for present and future generation s . Downing asked about ordinances or incentives for developers regarding tree removal and/or preservation . Janquart asked about incentives for land owners . PRAB appreciate s tree interns, planting events, g iveaway s, low-cost programs , and rebates, and they e ncourage public to assist with overall City canopy . The City appreciates it when homeowners help with occasional deep watering their new boulevard trees especially during hot, dry spells. MSC Gaulke/Galli to forward the proposed Forestry Management Plan and resolution to City Council for adoption . Unanimous. DISCUSSION ITEMS None. STAFF RE PORTS 3. The Conservation , Parks , and Public Works Staff Report was shared by Brooks. Thank you to Eagle Scout Candidate Jackson Tody for adding a dog agility course at the dog park. CALE NDAR The next Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting will be Wednes day, Sept. 16 , 202 6 at 5:30 p.m . in the Council Chambers. ADJOURNMENT MS C Galli/Guthrie to adjourn the meeting at 6: 13 p .m. Unanimous . Respectfully submitted, Brenda Rundle , Customer Service Representative