Rib Lake to crack down on displaying building addresses

Building numbering was a lengthy topic of conversation at the Rib Lake Village Board meeting on September 13. Property owners in the village of Rib Lake will soon be needing to make sure that their homes or buildings have correct numbering on them.

The conversation of building numbering was first brought up during the police committee meeting on September 6. It was agreed by the committee that the current ordinance, should be changed. The current ordinance states that the village provides the numbers themselves. The current ordinance also does not specify size. The police committee would like to place the responsibility on the property owners. When the ordinance was first put in place, every house had their house numbers on the house. Trustee and police committee member Russ Bullis said, “A lot of places have been resided or remodeled.” The board discussed that numbers on some buildings are hard to read, or not on the building at all. This can make getting to a specific building when there is an emergency call an issue. President Bill Schreiner agreed with making changes to the ordinance, saying, “it is a safety issue.” Police Chief Derek Beckstrand added that in regards to the proposed changes to the ordinance, “we basically just added requirements.” Schreiner then asked, “when we pass this, will we go out and make sure people have it (the new requirements)?” Rib Lake community service officer and part time public works employee Ben Greiner stated that, “my plan would be to look when reading meters and send letters to those who need it.” The board was in agreement with that plan. A motion was made by Bullis to amend for building numbering to read the same as the ordinance that was proposed by the police committee. The amended ordinance will make the property owner responsible for house numbering. The ordinance will also include the requirement that numbers shall be at least three inches in height and conspicuously placed so that the number can be seen plainly from the street.

Large Item Drop Off

During the meeting, the board also discussed a large item drop off day/days for the village of Rib Lake. Village Clerk Kristen Lueck explained that Waste Management had taken bulk items out of their contract with the village. Their offer was to provide a couple of dumpsters and have a drop off day or days. The board agreed that they would like to see a couple of dates for drop off, to make it more convenient for the public. Bullis asked, “what do we do at night? We can’t leave the dumpster accessible at night.” Director of public works Tom Olson, who was at the board meeting, stated, “Put it out at the well plant so its locked and you don’t have to worry about people coming in at night.” The board thought that was a good idea and a good place to hold the drop off.

Bullis mentioned, “It needs to be clear this is a large item pick up only. It is not time to clean out your garage.”

The issue of residency was also discussed. Bullis said, “somehow they are going to have to prove their residence.”

The board is targeting a date or dates in mid October. The board wants to ensure that residents have a couple weeks notice. They will also make it known that residents will need to prove their residency. Lueck will be contacting Waste Management to find dates that work.

J & P Land Sale

J& P Auto Repair in Rib Lake would like to buy a small piece of land, currently owned by the village, to expand their property in the village of Rib Lake. Their proposal would include expanding their lot line ten feet to the north. On the east side of their property it would also be expanded to be in line with their neighbor, Rib Lake True Value. True Value had expanded their lot line last year by purchasing land from the village. Lueck explained that the board first would need to approve sending the proposal to the planning commission. The proposal would then go to the planning commission for approval. If approved, the proposal would then come to the board for final approval.

Schreiner said, “I am all for it.” The concern from board members was if it was going to interfere with snowplowing or the village utilities. Olson didn’t think that it would be an issue.

The board did approve sending the proposal to the planning commission.

Christmas for Kids

The Christmas for Kids Committee president, Jill Behrens sent a letter to the board, asking for a monetary donation for this year’s event. The Rib Lake Christmas for Kids will be hosting their annual Lunch with Santa on December 2, 2023.

Lueck looked back at previous year’s donations and the board donated $400 in both 2018 and 2019. They had not received the letter early enough in more recent years to make a donation. The board approved making a $400 donation to the Christmas for Kids event.

Trick or Treating

The board approved the Village Trick or Treating event for 2023. Trick or Treating will be held Sunday, October 29 from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Memo of Understanding

The board discussed the memo of understanding that the board received from the Rib Lake School District regarding the role of the resource officer. The school increased the pay they are paying by $500. The total dollar amount for the year will be $11,345. This will include the resource officer working up to 35 hours per month.

Other Board News

The tile and carpet in village hall was discussed during the meeting. Trustee Cliff Mann said, “The tile portion going back to the bathroom is really getting bad. We definitely need to replace some of it.” Members of the board agreed with Mann’s assessment. Mann will work on getting an estimate for the work that needs to be done.

The village approved putting up a couple of no parking signs in the village. These signs will be added on McComb Ave. and Mill Lane from Hwy 102 to past the fire department. Bullis said, “there have been issues with trucks parking in front of the Fire Department and fire trucks not being able to get out.” The issue was discussed at the police committee meeting recently and Bullis said, “It was Derek and Ben’s recommendation and I think it is a good one.”

The topic of a police officer helping on a lift assist was discussed at the meeting. Bullis said, “Derek (Chief Beckstrand) has been helping quite a bit.” The issue of doing this without EMS direction has become a problem. Bullis said, “It is a liability issue.” Bullis, continued, “The fire department has started waiting for EMS discretion.” The village board was in agreement that when the Rib Lake Police Department is asked to help in a lift assist, they will wait until EMS is on the scene and take their direction. This motion was approved.