Town Board and Plan Commission — Minutes

TOWN OF RIVER FALLS – REGULAR BOARD MEETING Monday, June 15, 2026, River Falls Town Hall The meeting was called to order by Chair Terry Kusilek at 7:04pm. Elected officials and staff present: Terry Kusilek, Chair; Mary Foster, Siri Smith, Jerome Rodewald; Supervisors; Rita Kozak, Treasurer; Sarah Meyer; Clerk; Don Rodewald, Zoning Administrator; Guests present: Frank During, Carmen Pata, Katie Pata, Mark Edland, Scott Erickson, Wendy DiPeso, Kristin Nyquist, Victoria Radar Jerome made a motion to approve the agenda as posted. Siri seconded. M.C. Siri moved to approve the minutes of the June 1, 2026, Regular Board meeting. Jerome seconded. M.C. Financial Report/Fire Call Report: Treasurer Rita provided the Treasurer’s Report. The current available balance is $462,072.47. Siri moved, and Mary seconded to approve the financial and fire call reports. M.C. Public Comments & Requests: Scott Erickson, W9974 state road 29, complained about bright lights shining into home windows from Vanguard Renewables facility. Scott has had multiple conversations with Vanguard Renewables and Brad Peterson about the brightness. They continue to say they are going to fix it but nothing has changed. Victoria Radar stated that the meeting discussions are very hard to hear, especially when the HVAC fan is running. Also, she doesn’t understand the steps to take if she wants to reach out to Board. Victoria also shared a concern about data centers glad it will be on tonight’s agenda. Wendy DiPeso said thank you for getting the road sign up on County E and 710th. She shared that she is doing research on hyperscale projects and has found that small communities that allow a hyperscale project disadvantages themselves due to tax law. She encourages the town to implement a moratorium. Frank During reported that Forestville Winery and Event Center was open on May 25 Memorial Day which he believes to be without permission or notification to the neighbors. He wants the Board to define what an event is and exactly when the neighbors should be notified. Carmen Pata was grateful to get early notification of the right of way clearing and tree removal but found that the scope expanded from what he had been told. ¾ mile of fenceline was impacted and he is asking if there is any assistance possible in moving or replacing the fence. Katie Pata shared her interest in the 125th celebration and would like to help with planning. Zoning Administrator Report: Zoning Administrator Don Rodewald provided the zoning report (attached). Mary made a motion to accept the Zoning Administrator’s report. Jerome seconded. M.C. Plan Commission Report: Siri reported that the Forsland request for an ag building permit has been tabled until more information can be gathered and the Forslands can attend a meeting with the Plan Commission. Take Action on Retailer Class “B” Beer and “Class B” Liquor Licenses and Operator Licenses for Forestville Vines Winery and Event Center, W8101 690th Ave., River Falls, WI 54022: Mary made a motion to approve Retailer Class “B” Beer and “Class B” Liquor Licenses and Operator Licenses for Forestville Vines Winery and Event Center, W8101 690th Ave., River Falls, WI 54022. Jerome 2nd. M.C. Mary to approve seven operators licenses for Forestville bartenders, except for one applicant who had a recent DUI charge. Jerome seconded the motion. M.C. Review and Discuss Town Charges and Fee Schedules: Mary made a motion to approve the charges and fee schedule with the changes discussed. Jerome seconded. M.C. Set Date for July Budget Meeting: Mary made a motion to approve the budget calendar as proposed by Sarah. Siri seconded. M.C. Discuss and Take Action on Recycling Center Staffing and Hours: Mary motion to pay Joe Mahoney wages for hours worked during open recycling center hours and to pay back pay to May 1, 2026. Jerome seconded. M.C. Discuss and Take Action on Paid Time Off Policy: Terry requested that employees get paid for any PTO requested even if it pushes them over 40 hours. Terry will bring back a draft of an updated policy to the July 6 meeting. Discuss Plans for Town Hall 125th Celebration: Rita has been gathering information about the menu and places to purchase supplies. Review and Approve Updates to Town Policies: Mary moved to approve the updated policies as proposed. Siri seconded. M.C. Discuss Process for Assessment and Revaluation Contract: Sarah shared a draft request for proposal document. This will be distributed with proposals due June 30. They will be reviewed at the August 3, 2026 Board meeting. Discuss Moratorium on Hyperscale Projects in the Town: Tabled to July 6, 2026, meeting. Board and Staff Communications: Rita requested to close the safety deposit box at First National Bank. Jerome shared that he met with Terry and Roads Department employees about the sale of the 2017 Peterbilt Truck. They suggested the asking price be $119,500 and the truck will be posted in multiple places. The truck sale will come on the July 6 meeting agenda for finalization. Mary shared a complaint from a resident about loud shooting happening frequently. Terry will follow up with the complainant. Sarah shared that she had started some research on a speaker system for the town hall. Jerome and Sarah will work on getting a system in place. Sarah has been in contact with Town Attorney Bob Loberg about scheduling a closed session meeting regarding access to Mt. Zion Cemetery. The meeting will be scheduled for June 22. Don asked about an email he received inquiring about information on a property. Terry shared that the Roads department has been mowing and spraying the right of ways. Terry will be moving forward with the option to sealcoat 710th. The bus frame being place as a bridge in Halverson Park was not the expected size so he expects to hire someone to weld on bus frame. Terry also shared that he followed up on the loud explosion discussed at the previous meeting. Audit and Pay Bills Mary moved to audit and pay bills, Siri seconded. M.C. Future Agenda items: • Approve Agenda • Minutes from June 15, 2025, Regular Board Meeting • Financial/Fire Call Report • Public Comments and Requests • Zoning Administrator Report • Plan Commission Report • Discuss and Take Action on Sale of 2017 Peterbilt Plow Truck • Approve Ordinance 2026-4: An Ordinance Repealing and Amending Certain Provisions of Chapter 19 of the Code of Ordinances (General Code) of the Town of River Falls. • Discuss and Take Action on Plans for Improvements at the Town Hall • Discuss and Take Action on Paid Time Off Policy • Discuss Plans for Town Hall 125th Celebration • Discuss Moratorium on Hyperscale Projects in the Town • Board and Staff Communications • Future Agenda Items • Audit and Pay Bills • Adjourn Siri moved to adjourn. Mary seconded. M.C. Meeting adjourned at 9:09pm.