Two vehicles added to city fleet totaling over $800,000

By Andrew Harrington
Posted 1/22/25

RIVER FALLS — River Falls City Council approved the purchase of a pair of vehicles during the Jan. 14 meeting. First was the purchase of an Electric Department digger truck for $447,761. …

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Two vehicles added to city fleet totaling over $800,000

Posted

RIVER FALLS — River Falls City Council approved the purchase of a pair of vehicles during the Jan. 14 meeting. First was the purchase of an Electric Department digger truck for $447,761. According to city documents, the truck has a lot of uses and the 2024-28 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) lists $425,000 for a new digger truck.
All of the cost will come out of the Electric Utility fund. The city’s current digger truck was manufactured in 2010, nearing the end of its lifespan.

In addition, council authorized the purchase of a 2025 Tymco 6000 street sweeper for $366,715. The amount planned in the CIP for the purchase is $260,000. The first $260,000 will come from General Obligation Notes and the remaining funds will come out of the 2025 Streets Maintenance budget.

River Falls will continue to run the 2014 street sweeper with the new one. Staff wrote having the two sweepers in operation helps clear leaves quicker to decrease risks including clogged storm drains and leaves getting into the Kinnickinnic River.

City Administrator Scot Simpson said it is not included in the Capital Improvement Plan to have two sweepers, so it can be reevaluated in the future.

 

Property Annexation

Council heard the first reading of an annexation petition for the property at 212 Paulson Road. The property would be annexed to the City of River Falls from the Town of Troy with a developer planning two to three multi-family housing buildings that would be senior and/or market rate.

If approved, the 26.82 acres on Paulson Road near Radio Road would likely come with the application of a Future Land Use Classification of High Density Residential and an R-3 Multiple Family (High Density) Residential to the subject properties.

Public Comment

Melissa Abdouch, the owner of Mei Mei’s Cookies and Creamery and the leader of River Falls Business Leaders, spoke about women-owned businesses.

“There are many things to love about River Falls, and the one in particular I’d like to address tonight is that we have more than 170 women-owned businesses within River Falls,”Abdouch said.

For Women’s History Month in March, River Falls Business Leaders is planning displays throughout the city to celebrate women in history. Abdouch extended an offer to the city to join the celebration and put up displays of their own.

Resident Dana Linscott spoke about the city previously having a community resource officer and no longer having one. Linscott said the police department told him they are not looking to fill the position, which he said leaves a gap in River Falls.

“That’s a critical role, and it’s about the only role that the city actively plays in helping those who become homeless in River Falls,” Linscott said.

Alderperson Jeff Bjork shared thoughts and prayers for the people affected by the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles.

Water Resource Development Act

Simpson said the Water Resource Development Act bill was passed on Jan. 4 after the city requested Rep. Derrick Van Orden and Sen. Tammy Baldwin include language to increase maximum project funding in the CAP 206 program from $10 million to $15 million.

“This definitely benefits the Kinni Corridor Project,” Simpson said. “Will provide an additional $5 million in federal capacity toward that project.”

River Falls City Council, maintenance vehicles, street sweepers, property annexation, town of Troy, Water Resource Development Act, River Falls, Wisconsin