Town Board and Plan Commission — Minutes

TOWN OF RIVER FALLS – REGULAR BOARD MEETING Monday, June 1, 2026, River Falls Town Hall The meeting was called to order by Chair Terry Kusilek at 7:03pm. Elected officials and staff present: Terry Kusilek, Chair; Mary Foster, Siri Smith, Joe Mahoney, Jerome Rodewald; Supervisors; Rita Kozak, Treasurer; Sarah Meyer; Clerk; Don Rodewald, Zoning Administrator; Guests present: Maureen Ash, Brad Peterson, Kristin Nyquist, Wendy DiPeso, Sue Bushard, Pat Singel, Linda Singel, Joe Conrad, Zach Kuechenmeister, Jordyn Kuechenmeister, Rob Gormanson, Victoria Rader Joe made a motion to approve the agenda with the change of moving numbers 5 and 6 to the top of the agenda. Mary seconded. M.C. Zoning Administrator Report Pt. 1: Zoning Administrator Don Rodewald provided the information about the proposed alternate dwelling site for Zachary and Jordyn Kuchenmeister, 650th Avenue. Plan Commission Report: The Plan Commission recommends the approval of the shortening of the driveway and alternate dwelling site for Zachary and Jordyn Kuchenmeister, 650th Avenue. Siri made a motion to approve the shortening of the driveway and alternate dwelling site for Zachary and Jordyn Kuchenmeister, 650th Avenue. Jerome seconded the motion. M.C. Mary moved to approve the minutes of the May 18, 2026, Regular Board meeting. Joe seconded. M.C. Financial Report/Fire Call Report: Treasurer Rita provided the Treasurer’s Report. The current available balance is $520,901.06. Mary moved, and Joe seconded to approve the financial and fire call reports. M.C. Public Comments & Requests: Siri shared that there was a large explosion from a residence on State Road 29 believed to be caused by shooting Tannerite as well as a large fireworks display on Saturday, May 30. Several others in the room also heard and felt it. Terry will follow up with the residents about the noise ordinance and that fireworks permits are required. Ron Gormanson encourages the board to seriously consider a moratorium on hyperscale projects. Sue Bushard would like the board to consider continuing the lowered speed limit on 760th Avenue. Sue also requested that the town doesn’t mow until August to allow the birds to get their chicks hatched and flown. Maureen Ash shared her support of a moratorium on hyperscale projects in the town. Zoning Administrator Report Pt.2: Zoning Administrator Don Rodewald provided the zoning report (attached). Joe made a motion to accept the Zoning Administrator’s report. Mary seconded. M.C. Discuss and Take Action on Purchasing a Buckthorn Puller Joe made a motion to reject the request to purchase of a buckthorn puller. Siri seconded. M.C. Discuss Plans for Town Hall 125th Celebration: Rita has talked to Kinni Historical Society about their ice cream social event. Sarah and Rita will meet and discuss and bring back to the June 15, 2026, meeting. Review and Approve Updates to Town Policies: New policies will be drafted to address expenses related to an animal control call, cash handling and background checks for operator licenses. Draft policies will be approved at the June 15, 2026, town board meeting. Approve Blair Mobile Home License: Joe moved and Siri seconded to approve the mobile home license for the Blair mobile home park. M.C. Discuss Process for Assessment and Revaluation Contract: Sarah and Terry will work together to create a request for proposal for assessment contract. Tabled to the June 15, 2026, board meeting. Discuss Possible Conversation with City of River Falls Regarding a Boundary Agreement: Terry will have an informal conversation with the new mayor of the City of River Falls but any discussions related to boundary agreements will be scheduled with additional board members. The board also plans to include feedback from residents if those discussions begin. Discuss Moratorium on Hyperscale Projects in the Town: Joe has started research on enacting a moratorium on hyperscale projects. He asked that it is tabled to the June 15, 2026, board meeting so that more research can be done. Board and Staff Communications: Jerome has talked to town attorney Bob Loberg about gaining access to Mt. Zion Cemetery. A closed meeting will need to be scheduled to discuss options. Jerome thanked Don for the donation of time and materials for a large boulder to block the corner of the cemetery. Joe shared that there were several unhappy and rude customers at the recycling center on Saturday. Mary shared that the Parks Committee continues to work on their Halverson Park bridge. Sarah invited the group to the Wisconsin Towns Association County Unit meeting on June 11 at the town hall. There will be a picnic and discussion. Terry spoke with Darrell Hubbell about a land swap or purchase near 800th Avenue. More discussion is needed. Rob and Dalton have been working with Universal to get the new truck outfitted with equipment. Terry requested that employee benefits go on a future agenda. Joe asked that recycling center hours and staffing be on the June 15 agenda. Terry said that the dust control has been scheduled. Audit and Pay Bills Joe moved to audit and pay bills, Jerome seconded. M.C. Future Agenda items: • Approve Agenda • Minutes from June 1, 2025, Regular Board Meeting • Financial/Fire Call Report • Public Comments and Requests • Zoning Administrator Report • Plan Commission Report • Discuss and Approve Liquor License and Operator Licenses for Forestville Winery, W6101 690th Avenue • Discuss Plans for Town Hall 125th Celebration • Review and Approve Updates to Town Policies • Discuss Process for Assessment and Revaluation Contract • Discuss Possible Conversation with City of River Falls Regarding a Boundary Agreement • Discuss Moratorium on Hyperscale Projects in the Town • Review Schedule of Fees and Charges • Board and Staff Communications • Future Agenda Items • Audit and Pay Bills • Adjourn Joe moved to adjourn. Jerome seconded. M.C. Meeting adjourned at 8:32pm.