CITY COUNCIL RECAP - APRIL 27TH

OPEN SESSION - 7:00 p.m.

Ordinance – approving new comprehensive plan for 2009-2029

Since the public hearing was opened on March 10th, the Plan Commission made one change to the plan, modifying land use for the south side of Highway 44 east of Douglas Street from “recreational facilities” to “mixed use”. The Council unanimously approved the plan, 7-0 (Alderman Brockman was not present tonight)

Proposed expenditure of funds in TIF District #8 – streetscape projects

Two months ago, the Council authorized borrowing $600,000 for downtown projects under newly-created TIF District #8. $200,000 of this amount was designated for “streetscape” improvements. Ripon Main Street is recommending a list of uses for these monies for your review and consideration. The items (and their budgeted amounts are as follows):

* Street lights ($127,000) - Need 14 light poles for 100 block of East Fond du Lac, Seward adjacent to the Village Green, and the 400 block of Watston. The idea is to try and have the college and downtown lighting be similiar, but no final decision has been made.

* Street trees ($25,000) - 14 trees to be planted in the sidwalk and 21 trees to be planted in the terraces

* Tree grates ($25,000) - 14 tree grates minimum

* Flower planters ($9,000) - 15 to 20 planters identical to existing planters

* Park benches ($9,000) - 8 commercial-grade park benches identical to existing

* Lightpole baners ($5,000) - 150 to 200 banners (3 to 5 different designs) at $39 per banner (2 per pole/ 33 street lights)

Bid - recoating Thomas Street water tower

Earlier this year, Council approved borrowing $400,000 to recoat the water tower on Thomas Street. Four bids were received, and staff recommends that Council accept an adjusted low bid of $390,435 from Classic Protective Coatings, Inc. The low bid was approved 7-0
Proposed change in City policy – curbside collection of brush

The Public Works Department is collecting an increasing volume of brush at curbside each month, and it appears that formal standards are needed. As stated in the a memo from the Public Works Director, staff recommends that free brush pickup at curbside be limited to 4’x 4’x 8’ piles, with a $40/pile charge after that, and that stumps and root balls will no longer be taken at the curb. At my request, the Council unanimously directed that the proposed changes be written as a formal city policy, so that a public hearing can be held to get feedback on the changes.
Appointment of special teams for 2009 workplan items
a. Website redevelopment

Citizen members: John Godson, Jeremy Johnson, Ryan Prellwitz, Brian Reilly

Staff members: Steve Barg, Barb Mashack, Lori Rich

Elected officials: Jane Schueler and Al Schraeder
b. Silver Creek corridor

Citizen members: Diane Rasmussen, Andrew Zuelke

Staff members: Steve Barg, Travis Drake

Elected official: Gib Stoeberl

NOTE: The closed session was cancelled

UPCOMING MEETINGS

May 11th - Joint meeting of the City Council and Ripon Area School Board

May 27th - City Council meeting (Please note this is a Wednesday due to Memorial Day)