COUNCIL AGENDA - MARCH 23rd

Here is the agenda for Monday evening, and it looks like a busy one. We will be discussing road closures for the upcoming bike races and road runs, a resolution regarding the stimulus legislation, a possible move forward on stormwater management, the details of a downtown loan fund and "stimulus" package, and a proposal regarding the long-term plans for the library. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them or email me:

CITY OF RIPON - COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
Council chambers, City Hall - Monday, March 23, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.

I. Call to order/roll call
II. Pledge of Allegiance/Invocation
III. Public communications and comment
IV. Consent calendar (Unless the Mayor, Council or staff asks that one or more of the items listed below be pulled, this list may be approved with a single vote.)
1. Resolution – authorizing a State Trust Fund loan (TIF District #8)
2. Resolution – writing off an uncollectible sewer and water account
3. Resolution – use of stimulus funds for American products/services
V. Other business
1. Request for street closures – bicycle race on June 13th (Ripon College) - The City has received a request to allow for street closures on Saturday, June 13th in conjunction with the 2nd annual WCA State Criterium bicycle race. Staff’s only concern is the broader issue of the impact on property owners along and within the race course, and we’re seeking the Council’s direction on this issue.
2. Request for street closures (2 road races) and event on Village Green - The Noon Kiwanis wants street closures for 2 road runs, one on Saturday, July 11th; the other on Saturday, August 15th. Planned for the early morning, the July 11th should not pose a problem, but the August 15th twilight run raises traffic management concerns. Like the bicycle race, the issue is impact on affected landowners. Staff is also seeking input on a proposed event at Village Green after the August 15th race.
3. Resolution – authorizing stormwater management grant application - Council has shown some interest in addressing City-wide stormwater management. Foth Infrastructure and Environment, LLC is offering to prepare a grant request for a stormwater management plan, with the cost not to exceed $2,000. If we get the grant, the State pays 70% of the cost of the plan, leaving the City’s share around $25,000.
4. Request to reserve land for future growth – Ripon Public Library - The City wants to redevelop the former Smuckers site on Jefferson Street, including land where Agri-Blenders is located. The library board wants 100 feet west of the library property to be reserved for future expansion. As we prepare to seek proposals to redevelop this site, staff seeks your response to the library board’s request.
5. Downtown revolving loan fund and facade grant guidelines - Last month, Council voted to move forward with plans to borrow $600,000 for projects under TIF District #8. However, Council asked for guidelines for administration of the revolving loan fund and façade grant programs. Staff and the Mayor met with Craig Tebon, and the attached framework is presented for your review and approval.
VI. Update – status of 2009 workplan items
VII. Mayor’s communications and appointments
VIII. Agenda items for future Council meetings
IX. Adjourn to closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(e) "Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session"
RE: Proposed new developer’s agreement for TIF District #7
RE: Proposed lease extension for use of City-owned property
RE: Possible purchase of land in the City’s new business park
Adjourn to closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) "Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility"
RE: Pay issue under existing contract with public works union