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BID Board Chair: Joleen Larson 715-426-7776 joleenlarson@hotmail.com BID Staff: Emily Shively 715-426-3437 eshively@rfcity.org City of River Falls Business Improvement District MINUTES MAY 12, 2026 AT 8:30 A.M. FOSTER CONFERENCE ROOM – CITY HALL 222 LEWIS STREET RIVER FALLS, WI 54022 Members present: Joleen Larson , Vince Seidling , Amy Halvorson , Amy Freeman , Terry McKay , Andrew Singerhouse Members Absent: Mike Miller, Rosa Magnus, Kerri Olson Others present: Emily Shively, City of River Falls; William Hanson; Sarah Jenkins CALL TO ORDER: Larson called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m. AGENDA/MEETING MINUTES The meeting minutes for the April 14, 2026 meeting were approved. M/S McKay/Seidling. Unanimous. FINANCIALS Larson presented the financials. Larson noted that Accessibility Awareness (doorbell project) had been paid. She plans to visit more businesses to explain the project and address questions. It was noted that the BID has money available for grants; the Board discussed the possibility of using g rants for improvements to businesses’ rear entrances in anticipation of the downtown project. OTHER BUSINESS Main Street Updates Discussion: Garbage collection and snow removal downtown Larson facilitated a discussion about potential collaboration on garbage collection and snow removal in the downtown BID. Halvorson recalled the project to build two shared dum psters on Riverwalk and cautioned that cost should be considered before moving ahead with any additional projects. The Board discussed challenges regarding garbage collection: some businesses use more garbage than others; it can be difficult to get out of a contract; collection is expensive; communication with haul ers can be difficult; and refuse collection is the responsibility of the building owner and not just the tenant. It was also noted that any shared use of dumpsters should acknowledge the different amounts of was te that may be generated by users/tenants and the frequency of pick -ups needed. There are ph ysical constraints in the alleyways and trash enclosures can be costly to construct. Members also discussed the need to maintain areas in the alleyways, including the riverbank on the Kinni – removing invasive species and opening up some views of the river. It was suggested that staff talk with the Conservation and Parks Manager and gather information about issues and opportunities for enhancing the riverbanks. In discussing snow removal, it was noted that there is some inconsistency with the timing and quality of removal with businesses being o pen different hours /days. BID could consider helping to facilitate a contract with downtown businesses/property owners or perhaps increase the assessment to pay for coordinated snow removal. One challenge is timing with City plowing; that was identified as an opportunity for coordination. Staff will talk with Public Works about the potential for a contract for sidewalk snow removal downtown and gather more information. Larson suggested that any contract be long-term to provide certainty for the contractor – for purchase of equipment, hiring of staff, etc. BID Board Chair: Joleen Larson 715-426-7776 joleenlarson@hotmail.com BID Staff: Emily Shively 715-426-3437 eshively@rfcity.org It was concluded that t he Board is still in the information gathering stage and will continue to discuss issues and opportunities for coordinated services in the BID. Other Main Street Updates The Board discussed the proposed development on West Cedar Street (The Creamer y at Cedar) – it would include a tap room/restaurant, event center, and short-term rental units. They are working on a parking plan to utilized off-site parking lots, shuttles for events, and on-street parking. Just outside the BID, 404 S. Winter Street is still for sale and there were questions about the current use of the building next to the river north of W. Division Street (Hovde/Rugo property). ADJOURNMENT Chair Larson adjourned the meeting at 9:17 am