Town Board and Plan Commission — Minutes

TOWN OF RIVER FALLS – REGULAR BOARD MEETING Monday, October 6, 2025, River Falls Town Hall Elected officials and staff present: Terry Kusilek, Chair; Mary Foster, Siri Smith, Joe Mahoney, Brad Mogen, Supervisors; Rita Kozak, Treasurer; Sarah Meyer, Clerk; Don Rodewald, Zoning Administrator; Guests present: Mary Merta, Maureen Ash, Jerome Rodewald, Wendy DiPeso, Brian Bergseng, Mary Merta, Kendra Jaeger, Alex Theobald The meeting was called to order by Chair Terry Kusilek at 7:27pm. Joe made a motion that the agenda be approved. Siri seconded. M.C. Joe moved to approve the minutes of the September 15, 2025, Regular Board meeting. Mary seconded. M.C. Financial Report/Fire Call Report: Treasurer Rita provided the Treasurer’s Report. The current Money Market account balance is $891,902.35. Joe moved and Mary seconded to send letters to residents that need special charges on property taxes. Mary moved, and Brad seconded to approve the financial and fire call reports. M.C. Public Comments & Requests: Kendra Jaeger, N7086 820th Street, requested the Board enact a moratorium on CAFOs. She shared statistics and information that show that allowing CAFOS may be dangerous. Alex Theobald, N7157 820th Street, told the Board to look at our town and what we want it to be while supporting agriculture. He asked that they don’t forget farmers that are already here. He reminded the Board that CAFO laws don’t just apply to dairy operations and think of the broader spectrum than just our immediate dairy concerns. Brian Bergseng, N8821 790th Street, asked the Board to remember that any changes intended to contain larger dairies also affect smaller dairies like his family’s farm. Zoning Administrator Report: Zoning Administrator Don Rodewald provided the zoning report (attached). Joe made a motion to accept the Zoning Administrator’s report. Brad seconded. M.C. Plan Commission Report: At the October 20 meeting, the Plan Commission will again discuss the CAFO issue. Discuss Impact Fees and Consultant Contract: Impact Fee committee has been discussing possible projects. Siri move to sign contract with Stantec for two projects. Joe seconded. M.C. Discuss and Update Rules and Regulations for Glass Valley Cemetery: Jerome shared that Cemetery Committee would like to change the wording on rule number 4 in the Glass Valley Cemetery rules regarding vault requirements. Joe made a motion to approve proposed change. Brad seconded. M.C. Discuss Recycling Center Hours of Operation: Joe made a motion to change the recycling center summer hours so that the center is open the first Wednesday of May to first Wednesday of August starting in 2026. Siri seconded. Review and Discuss Annual Fire Number Fee: Terry shared that the Rural Fire Association is considering a possible increase in the annual charge per fire number. It will be determined at the next Association meeting and will affect the Town’s budget. 2026 Budget Update: Sarah gave updated information about the 2026 town budget following changes and new information from the state. Set Date for Budget Hearing and Town Elector Meeting: Mary made a motion to set the public hearing for the 2026 town budget on November 3, 2025, starting at 6:30pm. The Town Elector Meeting will meet immediately following the public hearing. M.C. Resolution 2025-B: A Resolution to Recommend Board Compensation: Tabled to the November 3, 2025, Town Elector meeting. Resolution 2025-C: Resolution of Town Board Proposing to Exceed Levy Limit via Town Meeting: Brad moved to adopt Resolution 2025 – C: Resolution Proposing to Exceed Levy Limit via Town Meeting. Mary seconded. M.C. Board and Staff Communications: Terry invited Tricia and Jacob Durocher to discuss their dogs, which are roaming off property often. The Durochers discussed steps they have taken to keep their dogs contained. These include an in-ground fence, and they have rehomed one of the dogs. The Board asked them to consider a physical fence and to keep the fence collar on all the time. Terry stated that if the dogs are out one more time, a citation will be issued. Brad shared that the Roads Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 9 has been canceled. Joe made a motion to pay Don $200 for skid steer work at electronic recycling. Mary seconded. M.C. Siri shared that SwiftCurrent internet is being installed in her area. Mary gave updates on the Parks Committee. A UWRF journalism student attended the most recent Parks meeting as a class assignment. The complaint about the trail on Birch Cliff has been resolved and the bus frame is getting closer to being installed as a bridge frame in Halverson Park. Sarah thanked the Board for the opportunity to attend the Wisconsin Elections Commission conference. She also had several items that need to go on future board agendas. Don said the anerobic digester at the Peterson Farm is starting to operate and the pipeline has been pressure tested and will begin use soon. They have also been hiring employees to work at the facility. Jerome gave an update on gaining access and making improvements at Mt. Zion Cemetery. Terry said that 900th Street had a new culvert put in after a hole developed after the heavy rain earlier this month. Future Agenda items: • Approve Agenda • Minutes from October 6, 2025, Regular Board Meeting • Financial/Fire Call Report • Public Comments and Requests • Zoning Administrator Report • Plan Commission Report • Discuss Impact Fees • Review and Discuss Annual Fire Number Fee • Discuss Fall Tax Newsletter • Update Town Fees and Charges • Set Date and Discuss Plans for Holiday Reception • Discuss DNR Municipal Transport Information • Board and Staff Communications • Future Agenda Items • Audit and Pay Bills • Adjourn Joe moved to audit and pay bills, Siri seconded. M.C. Joe moved to adjourn. Mary seconded. M.C. Meeting adjourned at 9:20pm.