RIVER FALLS — The April 14 City Council meeting marked the final meeting for Mayor Dan Toland and Alderpersons Jeff Bjork and Scott Morrissette. The vast majority of the meeting was spent celebrating the tenures of the three.

Alison Page defeated Toland in the April 7 election, marking the end of a record-breaking 14 years in the position. Bjork and Morrissette each decided against running for re-election in April, ending eight and 16-year terms, respectively. Each of the three were recognized at the meeting by their peers, and had the opportunity to share about their time as an elected official in the city.

“I’ve said before that the big, shiny projects get a lot of attention, and they should, it’s very important work. But, the work I’m most proud of that I have accomplished over all these years is what happens behind the scenes every single day. It’s the things you don’t always notice because they just work. We have safe roads, clean parks, reliable water and sewer systems, stormwater management, electricity and the dedicated service of our police, fire and ambulance teams,” Toland said. “Every day, hundreds of small decisions and actions are done the right way to make life in our community more convenient, safer and easier for everybody here.”

Toland thanked city staff, EMS, police and fire for making the city a place people are eager to live in. A top point from Toland’s remarks was that it took everyone to accomplish the things that were accomplished in the last decade-plus.

“The real story is the ‘we.’ What we did together,” Toland said. “To me, the word ‘we’ represents our neighbors who check on someone else who shows up when help is needed. It’s the people who volunteer their time at local organizations, events and causes not because they must, but because they care about this community.”

Glen Park has been a top priority for Toland over the years. He said the new play structures, pool upgrades, added splash pad, shelter, improved parking and other small upgrades have meant a lot to him.

“I wanted to reimagine Glen Park. Not just tweak it, not just patch it, but truly transform it into something bold, vibrant and worthy of everything it means to River Falls. We finally stopped settling for the yearly Band-Aid fix approach and made a real, lasting commitment. Glen Park isn’t just a park, it’s one of River Falls’ crown jewels,” Toland said.
Toland also mentioned how much the position has meant to him over the many terms.

“I’ve tried my best to live up to it by leading with compassion, honesty, respect and civility, even when things were difficult or decisions were not popular. I know not everyone has agreed with every choice I make, and that’s okay. That comes with the job,” Toland said. “I do believe that most of what has been accomplished wasn’t because of one person, it was because of us working together as a we. When I look back, that’s what I’m most proud of.

“Ego doesn’t build anything, effort does,” Toland said.

As the Council President, Morrissette spoke during Toland’s recognition.

“You quickly found your way, and you forged ahead. You did so with the best interest of the city residents and taxpayers in mind. You came to office with no agenda. You only wanted to serve the residents,” Morrissette said.

Morrissette said Glen Park and the city flag are two examples of things in River Falls that happened thanks to Toland.

“He managed the process that the mayor has to while keeping a firm hand on the fiscal tiller, making sure we were spending within our limits,” Morrissette said. “His meetings were run with an approach that facilitated productive discussion about the issues at hand. He listened to the public comment, and if he felt it needed more exploration, he directed staff to investigate. Over time, I’ve watched him be patient when it called for being patient and impatient when it called for being impatient.”

Resident Patricia LaRue shared during public comment that Toland was a big help during COVID as members of many city boards tried to navigate the rapid changes.

“The most frequently uttered phrase during this time was Scot Simpson saying, ‘Excuse me mayor, you’re on mute,’” LaRue joked. “I wanted to profoundly thank you, Mayor Toland, for your leadership in the 2020 elections and giving us the Badger Books.”

LaRue said election workers were scared to gather during COVID, but Toland ensured the technology and protocols were in place to keep the community safe.

Bjork’s four terms came to a close, and Toland had the chance to honor his time on the council.

“Throughout that time he showed up, not just physically, but fully present, engaged and always ready to get to work. He never hesitated to roll up his sleeves and do what he believed was right for River Falls and this community,” Toland said. “Jeff believed everyone deserves a fair chance, and he worked hard to make River Falls a place where people could grow, succeed and feel supported. He stood by his convictions, and wasn’t afraid to speak up for what he believed would make life easier for others.”

Bjork was on the Historic Preservation Commission, Design Review Board, EMS, Library and Parks and Recreation boards.

“I’ve known Jeff since high school, and all that time, one thing has never changed. His integrity and community has been his top priority,” Toland said. “His consistency, passion and leadership have been inspiring, and it’s been an honor to serve with him.”

After Morrissette’s 16 years, he thanked city staff, the council, his family and the residents for all they have done to help him.

“It has been a privilege to serve the residents for 16 years. Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me, it means a lot. I’ve always strived to educate myself on issues with as much information as has been available to me,” Morrissette said. “I have served with 19 council members and two mayors. While I’ve not always agreed with some of them, I’ve always felt that we both were coming from a common position, that being the best interests of the residents in River Falls.”
He asked future councils to continue to be a non-partisan, united council, have all of the information before making a decision and to keep in mind they are spending other people’s money.

“My largest disappointment has been not having River Walk completed. Since 2010, that’s the thing I’ve wanted the most, but I do know we’re getting closer. I hope that future councils see the benefit of the developed River Walk and what it can bring for downtown,” Morrissette said.

“Council Member Scott Morrissette has been one of the most consistently engaged, thoughtful and dedicated members of this council during my time served alongside him,” Toland said. “Scott brought a steady, practical perspective to every discussion. When conversations grew complicated or emotions ran high, he grounded us, keeping the focus on what truly mattered and what best served our residents. That clarity made a lasting difference.”

Morrissette was on the Historic Preservation Committee, EMS, Utility Advisory, Public Arts, Design and Review and Parks and Recreation boards, additionally serving as council president.

“He genuinely cared about people, all people,” Toland said. “He stayed attuned to the community and never lost sight of the real lives behind the policies and projects he debated. He was proactive, persistent and patient, attacking challenges head on.”

“We want to recognize that public service is a noble endeavor, so we appreciate each of you serving the community, and supporting staff and holding us accountable,” City Administrator Scot Simpson said. “On behalf of all the city staff and myself is just thank you for the opportunity to work with you, and you have our commitment to continue to be good to work with as we constitute a new council.”

At the beginning of the meeting, Toland said for the first time in his tenure, he was denying public comment to those outside the city limits.

“Tonight, for the first time since I became mayor, we will not be taking public comments from individuals who live outside of our city limits. This is a deliberate decision, and tonight I am drawing a firm line. This is not up for debate,” Mayor Dan Toland said. “Tonight also marks the final meeting for Council Members Scott Morrissette, Jeff Bjork and myself in our roles that we have now. After everything that this administration has taken on, the time, the pressure and the responsibility that comes serving the city, I will not allow this final meeting to be consumed by distractions, distortions, abstruse or repeated mischaracterizations from someone on the outside.”

He said he will not allow city council, staff or his own work to be misrepresented by an outsider during his final meeting.

“The people in these roles have earned more than that. We have earned respect,” Toland said. “I may have waited too long to say this, and for that, I ask forgiveness for those I have just mentioned. Enough has been enough. Tonight we will focus where our responsibility lies, on the residents of this city, on the council and on the staff.”