The Common Council met at City Hall in the City of Black River Falls on December 2, 2025 at 6:00 P.M.
Alderpersons Peloquin, E. Rave, Busse, and Gearing-Lancaster were present. Alderpersons Ammann, M. Rave,
Dougherty, and Wussow attended remotely via Zoom meetings. Mayor J. Eddy presided.
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It was moved by Alderperson Gearing-Lancaster, seconded by Alderperson Ammann to dispense with the
reading of the minutes of the November 19, 2025 Special Common Council meeting and approve as presented.
Motion carried.
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CITIZENS IN ATTENDANCE
There were no citizens in attendance.
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COMMITTEE REPORTS
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It was moved by Alderperson Dougherty, seconded by Alderperson Peloquin to place on file the minutes of the
November 17, 2025 Utility Commission meeting. Motion carried.
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It was moved by Alderperson Gearing-Lancaster, seconded by Alderperson E. Rave to approve the appointment
of Election Inspectors (Poll Workers) for 2026-2027 as presented. Motion carried.
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It was moved by Alderperson Busse, seconded by Alderperson Pelquin to approve the application for renewal of
a Pawnbroker License for Nick’s Pawn located at 26 N. Water Street. Motion carried.
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It was moved by Alderperson Busse, seconded by Alderperson Gearing-Lancaster to approve having the City
cover the federal tax credit portion of the Library’s proposed solar installation project which estimated at
approximately $29,166.44, contingent on the Library Board approving the project. Motion carried.
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The Council reviewed two proposals received in response to the Request For Proposals (RFP) sent out for a
potential solar project for City Hall. Ethos Green Power Cooperative (Ethos) representative Katherine Lewiston
and Olson Solar Energy (Olson) representative Booker Bredlau both attended remotely via Zoom meetings.
Ethos proposed an 18.5kW DC ground-mounted system modeled to offset approximately 20% of annual usage
at an estimated total project cost of $52,204.72 and a net cost after incentives of approximately $35,615.30
which would have an ROI/payback of approximately 13.6 years. Olson proposed a 40.8kW DC ground-mounted
system modeled to offset approximately 69% of annual usage at an estimated total project cost of $95,804.17
and a net cost after incentives of approximately $65,022.92 which would have an ROI/payback of approximately
9 years. Ethos explained that their review of the rates for BRF Municipal Utilities (BRFMU) they have listed a
20kW net meter cap. A larger system would be allowed, but the value, payback, and solar credit changes. If
the rates are not affected by a larger array, then Ethos would be interested in submitting an updated proposal
for a larger array, and if the rates are affected by a larger array, then Olson would be interested in submitting an
updated proposal for a smaller array. The City Administrator advised he had forwarded both proposals to
BRFMU for evaluation to verify the rates, savings, and payback calculations were accurate. There was further
discussion on how the system would operate and insurance considerations. This will be brought back to the
December 17th Special Common Council meeting for consideration.
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Scott McCauley and Tucker Lewis with Make My Move, Inc (MMM) out of Indiana were in attendance to further
discuss the MMM program and the WEDC Talent Recruitment Grant opportunity. MMM has agreed to update
the compensation and payment schedule to lower the risk to the City if the program is not successful. The
second installment of the MMM would be contingent on reaching the 5 relocated household threshold and
receiving the second tranche of the grant award. If successful, the cost to the City would be $50,455.00, and if
the program is not successful the cost to the city would be up to $30,000. The grant application period opens
January 5, 2026. The updated contract language will be reviewed, and this will be brought back to the
December 17th meeting for consideration.
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It was moved by Alderperson Pelquin, seconded by Alderperson Ammann to adjourn. Motion carried at 7:00 pm.
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A. Brad Chown, City Administrator
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