Members present: Mayor Don Richards, Tom Heimerl, Sandy Bowen, Susan Reese, Ellen Smith, Todd Schultz, David Cronk, Reid Wronski

Members absent: Erin Tomlinson

There was a quorum present at all times.

Staff present: Buddy Lucero, Planning Director; Tony Steiner, City Planner; Matt Parent, Planning Intern

1. Review of Draft Definitions

Lucero updated the members on the progress of the ongoing project to review the definitions in the complete
Municipal Code. In many cases a number of definitions for the same word was found. The intent was to
simplify the definitions so that they will be more clear and standardized throughout the code. This final
format will be an Appendix to the Municipal Code. All staff members have had time to review the draft for input
as well as a review by the City Attorney. The final draft will be brought to the Plan Commission Meeting for a
final review before being brought to the Council.

Wronski asked how it would be noted in instances where there are two distinctly separate definitions for the
same word. Lucero responded that at this time they have noted them as A and B and both definitions are listed.

Some of the definitions were written more than 30 years ago and while codes and statutes have changed,
definitions have not. This project is providing the opportunity to review these.

2. Outline for Possible Surveys for the Downtown Area w/UWRF

Parent stated that he has been working with Lucero and Schultz to develop a survey that will be sent out via
email through a listserv. This is the fastest way to get feedback and get the survey out.

Schultz stated that he had been in contact with the UWRF Research Department that could help develop and
conduct the survey. Due to the approximate $4,000 cost and a six-month timeline, this option is out of reach for
this project. He also spoke with the Chamber of Commerce who has a membership with zoomerang.com.
They said he could work with them to develop and send the survey. Schultz also met with the Downtown Retail
Committee to get their input on the survey content. Schultz stated that they tried to keep the survey to no more than 20 questions that had quick answers so that it is not a big time commitment and they are more likely to receive responses.

Wronski suggested on question #2 the age range be changed from 18-24 to under 21, which would allow the
ability to see if age may be a reflection of who visits the downtown area and for what purpose.

Mayor Richards suggested for question #13 a selection be added to reflect that the product/service is not available in River Falls. Schultz also noted that it may be useful to add convenience as an option. Wronski suggested adding hours of operation.

Planner Steiner suggested that the wording for question’s #13 and 16 be changed so that they read as more neutral questions. Steiner also suggested that for question #3 facility and staff be separated, as well as adding whether they live in River Falls or out of town.

3. Update on Park Board’s FF Sports Facility Master Plan

Steiner reported that at this time it has been suggested to remove the soccer fields from the plan to help reduce
costs. The concept plan will be revised to reflect the proposed changes. There is a concern about the overall cost of the development. Another public meeting will be held in May.

Smith asked how impact fees could help reduce costs. Steiner responded that impact fees could help with some
of the costs. Lucero added that a partnership between the City/Park Board and the sports associations is vital to
this development. The earlier a partnership can be established, the earlier the concept will be able to be
developed.

4. Update on the Safe Routes to School Plan

Steiner stated that the Safe Routes to School Program was setup by the Federal Government and is administered
by the State Department of Transportation to aid in reducing childhood obesity. The City received a grant for
approximately $60,000 to develop a plan for the Safe Routes to School Program. This plan is scheduled to be
done this summer.

Enough of the plan is completed to submit an application to connect the pathway that ends at South Wasson
Lane to Cascade Avenue.

Included in the plan is also education, which could include things like a bike rodeo. Mayor Richards also
suggested a bike to school day, possibly including faculty and students at UWRF.

5. Additional Items

Lucero stated that he was recently able to attend the North American Planning Association Conference. One of the items Planning Departments will be focusing on is energy conservation and a program called LEED
ND (Leadership, Energy, Environment, and Design for Neighborhood Development). This could mean implementing some changes in standards for new neighborhood developments.

ADJOURNMENT – Meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

___________________________________________

Jessica Urbach, Recording Secretary