Rib Lake village board to create vision plan for community improvements
The Village of Rib Lake will collaborate with Wendel urban planners to create a vision plan for the revitalization of the downtown, waterfront, and surrounding recreation areas. At the June 12 meeting, the village board voted to give $4,000 to the Rib Lake Community Development Foundation to help pay for the project. In total, the cost will be $7,500. The other $3,500 will be covered by the foundation.
Travis Grubbs presented on behalf of the foundation. According to Grubbs, the goal of making a vision plan is to say, “Here’s what McComb Ave. could look like. Here’s what the area around the lake could look like, and then market that.” Grubbs noted that providing a visual of the community’s potential could attract businesses that otherwise would not have seen a viable future in Rib Lake.
The village board was enthusiastic about the proposal. Cliff Mann said, “I’m all for it. We need to get Main St. going again. When you drive past it you shouldn’t see one or two cars. You should see 15 or 20 like it used to be.”
Making a vision plan doesn’t constitute a commitment for the community. Grubbs said the point of a plan is to provoke thought about how Rib Lake can be improved and showcase possibilities to local businesses.
Those interested in becoming involved with the planning should attend the first community meeting on July 3 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Camp 28. As of now, the goal is to have a final presentation ready for Ice Age Days that will be shown before the parade.
New batting cage
Moving forward, a new batting cage is coming to the Rib Lake Tannery Creek ballpark. The board voted to allow a double batting cage to be built on village property. Ryan Scheithauer discussed plans with the board for the 40 foot by 80 foot Herb Scheithauer Batting Cage Facility. The new facility will be a double batting cage. He said, “If we go with a double cage system, it will allow players to do drills on one side and do hitting on the other. You do softball on one side and baseball on the other.”
Scheithauer reported that there are funds set aside for the project, and he is working with Bob Christianson to ensure all of the building technicalities are correct. It is Scheithauer’s hope that the double batting cage is completed this fall so it’s available for next season.
Other business
Public Works Director Cody Lind provided the water and sewer reports for 2023. On the water Consumer Confidence Report, Lind stated, “There’s nothing out of the ordinary.” None of the contaminate levels were flagged as violations.
In the past, the sewer report caused red flags. This year, every test was graded in the A range except for phosphorus, which received a B. Lind said last year’s phosphorus grade was an F, and the high levels from that time carried over into January, causing the grade markdown this year. In the future, Lind hopes to achieve all As.
During another agenda item, the board considered a request made by EMTs to add a stove to the Ambulance Garage. EMTs requested the stove because they sometimes stay at the garage for 24-36 hours and currently only have a microwave to cook meals. No official decision was made on whether to purchase the stove, but board member Jack Buksa said he will look into the situation further as it is unknown whether the garage currently has the wiring to power a stove. County Clerk and Board Treasurer Kristin Lueck reported the cost of a flat top stove from K & B would be $749, and the delivery fee would be $50. If the garage needs to be rewired, a cost in the range of $150 can be expected.
In further business, the board approved a plan for the Rib Lake Community Development Foundation to place a large business advertising sign on Surek Rd. where the Ice Age Trail crosses. The sign will have 12 advertising plates for Rib Lake businesses. It will cost $125 for the first year and $50 every year after to have the sign.
The Street Project CD will be closed to use on North Front St. and North St. The Senior Center Zintz Fund CD will be closed to reupholster 40 chairs at the senior center. The Contingency CD funds will not be spent, and they will be renewed at the highest rate CD possible.
Continuing, the board voted to update the village utilities software for $3,840. The project to blacktop N. Front Street and North Street will be continued from last year. The building at 508 2nd St. will be inspected. Concerns were expressed about its structural integrity.
