RIVER FALLS — The River Falls City Council approved a pair of speed limit decreases as part of a brief Nov. 25 meeting.

Council approved the second reading of speed limit changes on Cascade and Powell avenues. Powell Avenue will see a speed limit decrease from 40 to 35 miles per hour between Apollo Road and the Powell Avenue Bridge. Cascade Avenue’s limit will decrease from 35 to 25 miles per hour between Sixth Street and State Highway 29/35/65.

Alderperson Jeff Bjork asked about how it is decided that a speed limit needs to be changed and what increment it is changed by.

“They do studies to look at speed. We try not to just arbitrarily lower the speed limit,” City Administrator Scot Simpson said. “We’re looking at, essentially, the design of the road and the speeds we expect people to go based on the design of the road.”

Public comment

Pauly Cudd, a life-long River Falls resident who owns a glass blowing studio, discussed the city sign ordinance during the public comment period. Cudd showcased a sign that was on display showing that there would be free demos at his business.

“Last year, I was abiding by your rules by the setback. I had permission from Kwik Trip. I had a big sign… on their property,” Cudd said.

Cudd said there were signs at multiple locations with permission that he felt abided by the ordinance. Eventually, his signs were disappearing, and Cudd was cited for an off-premise sign, meaning the business could no longer put signs up. Cudd said many people from all over came to his business because of the signs and asked that the city work something out with the business. Cudd mentioned he hopes all businesses in the city can be on a level playing field for signage.

Resident William Hansen spoke about the importance of the hydro in the city, serving as a source of renewable energy not dependent on the power grid. Hansen said using locally produced electricity is a form of buying locally that people do not often think about.

Other business

• Renewed EMS services with Allina Health Systems for 2026-30 and authorized the city administrator to negotiate with neighboring communities that use the service.
• Approved a grant application for shared ride taxi operation in the city. A lease agreement with Running Inc. was also approved for the taxi services. The third and final taxi approval was an authorization for the city administrator to negotiate and approve reimbursement agreements between the city and Pierce/St. Croix counties for 2026 ride share funds.
• Approved a procurement exemption for the Flexible Facilities Grant of the library remodel project. The exemption allows the city to avoid going to bid on project changes that are above the $50,000 threshold that would normally bring them to that step. An amendment to the contract was also approved in regard to the contractor.
• Approved staffing agreements with the city police department employees association.