River Falls City Council has four seats open for election this April. Mayor Dan Toland* is running unopposed, as are alderpersons Jeff Bjork* and Scott Morrissette*. Michael Metro is challenging Todd Bjerstedt* for the District 4 seat.

Mayor

Dan Toland*

Did not respond

Alderperson at Large

Jeff Bjork*

Occupation/profession: Community Outreach

Position for which you are running: Alderperson At-Large

Previous elected offices: Both River Falls City Council and Pierce County Board of Supervisors

Community/civic activities: Masons (member and Chaplain), Ezekiel Lutheran Church (member and council), RFHS Alumni Association (president),Grumpy Old Men Power of 100

What issues are most pressing in the city and what would you do about them?  Concern with direction of growth and how we as a city are managing this.

What motivated you to run for this position?  Wanting to keep an eye on our city and grow with knowledge of where we came from and where we are going.

Where are your favorite places to spend time in the city and why?  I truly enjoy all areas of River Falls, this is my hometown and I’m proud of who we are.

The area is rapidly developing and changing. How do you think the small-town feel of the city and its historical characteristics should be preserved while accommodating growth?  The city will grow whether we want it to or not, but we must manage the growth in a manner that allows us to keep River Falls our hometown, with green spaces, clean streets, safe neighborhoods, and a place to call home.

What is your vision for the city long-term?  Continue to make River Falls welcoming to all.

Name one thing you feel the city could do better.  Better control our expenditures to help manage the taxes charged to our citizens.

If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city in any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?  Perhaps see if we could return it to the citizens that gave the $1 million. There’s no free money, it all comes from someone or somewhere.

Why should you be elected?  Because I will continue to look out for the interest and safety of the citizens of River Falls.

Scott Morrissette*

Occupation/profession: Commercial Banker

Position for which you are running: Alderperson at Large

Previous elected offices: Alderperson at Large

Community/civic activities: 2010-present, River Falls Rotary (2013-14 President); 2012-2016, River Falls Chamber board of directors (2013 President); 2019-present, River Falls Sunshine Fund (2020-2021 President); 2020-present, St Croix EDC board member

What issues are most pressing in the city and what would you do about them?  Housing continues to be a focus for the city. Encouraging growth in all sectors (single family, multi-family, senior, workforce/income adjusted) helps to create movement in all sectors. People see the large multifamily projects but there are also several single-family developments underway. More supply is necessary to improve the situation.

What motivated you to run for this position?  The Downtown Plan that includes river walk is the next large city project. This plan will set the course for our downtown for years to come. Community involvement in this project is pivotal to its success.

Where are your favorite places to spend time in the city and why?  There are many places that we find enjoyable. Hoffman and Glen Park, the ball field and spending time downtown are all great places. When I have time, spending time on the Kinni fishing is peaceful.

The area is rapidly developing and changing. How do you think the small-town feel of the city and its historical characteristics should be preserved while accommodating growth?  As mentioned, the city will start the downtown plan soon. This will allow residents to express the things they want to see and retain about the downtown. Retaining historical buildings helps us hold on to our heritage. Additionally, as the city works with the US Army Corp of Engineers, they will see the Kinni Corridor Plan implemented. This plan will create a green belt through the middle of our city. These two projects can help preserve and protect the small-town feel.

What is your vision for the city long-term?  Finding the balance between preserving and maintaining our history while keeping our city economically viable. This is not an easy task and will take effort from all impacted. Engage your elected officials, come to meetings and express your thoughts. Present solutions, not just problems.

Name one thing you feel the city could do better.  Communication always has room for improvement. The city staff have increased communication via the city newsletter, press releases and social media. Finding new ways to communicate what is going on in the city is something we continue to seek out. Social media is difficult because, as many know, the challenges of engaging on social media are many.

If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city in any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?  There are many projects that would be on the list: The Glen Park Pool would be one. As would a skating rink and warming shelter in Glen Park. The fire station is a much needed project and people may have seen the recent news that the city is receiving $1.4 million to help with the renovation. That only gets us a fraction of the way. I would also like to see the start of River Walk. Capturing stormwater to help the river as well as creating a place in the city for restaurants and places to enjoy the river would be an economic game changer for the city.

Why should you be elected?  I bring experience and knowledge over the years I've served. I continue to focus on OPM (other people’s money) when making decisions. The council has a good working relationship. A civil approach to governing is important when you look at other elected bodies. I pledge to listen to all points of view, residents and council members when making decisions.

Alderperson District 4

Todd Bjerstedt*

Occupation/profession: Designer for a Twin Cities remodeling company

Position for which you are running: District 4 Alderperson

Previous elected offices: Same position for the last six years

Community/civic activities: Mostly supporting our grandchildren at their respective sporting and school events

What issues are most pressing in the city and what would you do about them?  There are dozens if not hundreds of activities occurring on an ongoing basis. I believe they are all important, but I wouldn't classify any of them as pressing. In my experience on the council, staff and council have done an excellent job in anticipating future needs and finding ways to fund them. I have been very impressed by our financial standing and am proud to have been a part of that.

What motivated you to run for this position?  We are working on several key initiatives at present such as the fire station and the Kinni Corridor. I would like to be a part of the completion of these projects.

Where are your favorite places to spend time in the city and why?  Probably Glen Park. Each time I see the new pavilion and other improvements in the park I feel proud to have been a part of the process.

The area is rapidly developing and changing. How do you think the small-town feel of the city and its historical characteristics should be preserved while accommodating growth?  I believe the downtown area will retain its small-town feel. Much of the growth is outside the downtown area. While some don't care for the growth, it is necessary for the vibrancy and financial stability of the city. Cities that get into financial difficulties are typically cities that aren't growing.

What is your vision for the city long-term?  Safety for our citizens. Financial stability (sustainability). Excellent parks and trails. Excellent schools.

Name one thing you feel the city could do better.  I'm having a hard time thinking of something. :)

If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city in any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?  We just received a $1.4 million dollar grant to use toward the renovation of our fire hall. We are also working closely with the Army Corp of Engineers on the Kinni Corridor, which could possibly turn into millions of grant dollars. We never stop looking for grant money.

Why should you be elected?  I enjoy the decision-making process which is the core of what the city council does. Now that I've been there for several years, I feel much better equipped to be a contributor to the future success of the city.

Michael Metro

Occupation/profession: Leadership Development Consultant

Position for which you are running: City Council District 4

Previous elected offices: N/A

Community/civic activities: I have been on the Library Board of Trustees for three years, I have been on The Forward Foundation Board of Directors for one year. I previously served on the Turningpoint Board of Directors. I co-advise a student activities club at River Falls High School.

What issues are most pressing in the city and what would you do about them?  Affordable housing, sustainable development and environmental conservation. Here are some ideas:

Housing-Community Land Trusts: Non-profit organizations that sell homes at affordable prices while keeping ownership of the land, ensuring affordability for future generations.

Rehabilitate existing housing: Provide financial assistance for renovations to older buildings, creating more affordable options.

Sustainable development-attract eco-businesses: Focus on attracting businesses that prioritize sustainability, like renewable energy companies or local farms.

Develop a skilled workforce: Partner with UWRF or CVTC to develop programs that train residents for in-demand jobs.

These examples would require community engagement as part of the process: Actively involve residents in the planning process. This ensures solutions address community needs and creates a sense of transparency and ownership.

Collaboration: Partner with regional organizations, neighboring communities, and non-profits to share resources and expertise.

Seek grants: Research and apply for grants from federal, state, or private organizations that support sustainable development initiatives.

What motivated you to run for this position?  The opportunity to bring a diverse perspective to the conversation A natural curiosity about how to contribute to solutions involving the environment, future planning, and equity in our fantastic town

Where are your favorite places to spend time in the city and why?  The Library, Paddy 's, Fox Den, Mei Mei's and hitting the trails!

The area is rapidly developing and changing. How do you think the small-town feel of the city and its historical characteristics should be preserved while accommodating growth?  Change and growth are inevitable so making deliberate and informed decisions that support historic preservation and innovation and sustainability in future planning.

What is your vision for the city long-term?  A city where our rich history meets a future of opportunity, where neighborhoods are strong, the environment is protected, and all residents feel a sense of belonging.

Name one thing you feel the city could do better.  That is a great question. I'm not sure.

If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city in any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?  Create a teen center that has activities after school and on the weekends. Included would be a transportation option to help get kids to and from. I have heard in the past and now that I have teenagers I can see that something like that would provide a place for teens to just be.

Why should you be elected?  I am passionate about being part of the solution and I believe that I have a unique perspective to contribute. My goal is to lead with curiosity and listen to understand. I believe that effective leaders recognize that they do not have all the answers. Listening to understand allows people to share their experience and then you can ask relevant follow-up questions. We are all only the sum of our own experiences and there is value in hearing other perspectives. I believe we are better as collaborative partners. If we are working together in good faith toward a common goal the chances of outcomes that will benefit the community as a whole are significantly higher.