RIVER FALLS – Residents saw a decrease in streetlight utility charges as the council unanimously approved a proposal that increases the percentage of the annual $234,000 lighting expense that commercial and industrial properties take on.

Single-residential and multi-residential units will pay $2 per month. Commercial properties will pay $8 per month. Industrial properties will be charged $12 per month. Schools, parks, ag and conservancy will each be charged $30 per month.

Alderperson Sean Downing pushed for the proposal to pass, mentioning the decrease in costs for residents as an improvement.

“Currently the average homeowner pays $39 per year for streetlights. With changing to this form of streetlight utility the average homeowner will pay $24 per year,” Downing said. “This is part of keeping life affordable for our community.”

This change would reduce the percentage of streetlight funding from residential properties from 76% of the funding to 64%.

Alderperson Jeff Bjork said non-residential units should take on an even larger percentage of the costs, saying the numbers do not take into account things such as streetlights in the alleyways.

“I really think the commercial and the industrial are getting off light on this,” Bjork said.

Alderperson Diane Odeen disagreed with Bjork, citing that industrial and commercial units are already facing an increase, and the council will have the opportunity to alter it in the future if need be.

“They’re already going to see an increase in what they’re charged,” Odeen said. “If it’s not fair we can tweak it in the future as part of the fee schedule.”

Oak Hill development

Council members approved the first of three phases of a final plat for the Oak Hill development, located on the former Wells property along Apollo Road. The first phase is expected to introduce 29 single-family homes and 16 twin homes with construction taking place on Gambel Street, Chestnut Avenue and Compton Avenue.

The development would connect South Apollo Road and 879th Avenue.

Resident Cheryl Ross discussed the potential drawbacks of the development as many from nearby neighborhoods stood in support. Multiple issues were discussed, including an increase in traffic on 879th Avenue, which Ross believes it cannot handle for a few reasons.

“When I drive on that road, which is every day, if I meet the school bus or if I meet a larger truck, I have to stop,” Ross said. “It is just not the right road to have extensions onto it.”

She said a lot of people walk their dogs, children play and people ride their bikes on the side of the road, causing safety concerns. Nearby Rolling Hills Park is close to where the extension and the exit of the development would lead.

Ross said she was told by River Falls staff that about one-third of the traffic is expected to go through 879th Avenue while the rest is expected to flow through South Apollo Road to Maple Street.

Ross said people that live on or near 879th Avenue would prefer a gate on their side of the development to only allow for exit in the case of emergencies.

The development is expected to be complete in the next 3-5 years.

Sign code changes

The council approved the first reading of a proposal that alters the current sign regulations in the city.

As an outcome of the Plan Commission’s April 6 discussion, members decided to look into allowing electronic billboards in areas they were not previously allowed and converting some current billboards into electronic ones.

Multiple businesses have approached city staff with requests for electronic billboards, and the commission felt new regulations could also help River Falls’ aesthetic.

The proposed amendment would allow for a special permit for people to utilize the billboards. The change would also allow more areas to be eligible for the signs.

In addition to the increased opportunities, requirements of the signs were changed to make the signs’ brightness change depending on the light outside at the time and allowing more colors to be used rather than just red and amber.

The July 11 council meeting will include the second reading of the amendment for approval.