River Falls council installs newly elected alderpersons, confirms appointments and official newspaper

The River Falls Common Council held its 2025 organizational meeting April 15, at which newly elected members were sworn in, council officers were chosen and several routine resolutions and appointments were approved.

Mayor: "Thanks, John. Good evening. I'd like to welcome everybody to the April 15 organizational meeting of River Falls Common Council," the mayor said at the start of the meeting.

The council administered the oath of office to newly elected alderpersons. Sean Downing was sworn as alderperson for District 1; Nick Carroll was sworn as alderperson for District 2; Michael Page was sworn as alderperson for District 3; and Diane O'Dean was sworn as alderperson at large. Each repeated the oath to support the U.S. and Wisconsin constitutions and to faithfully discharge the duties of the office.

In officer elections and internal appointments, Councilmember Scott Morissette was nominated and confirmed as council president. Diane O'Dean was nominated and confirmed as comptroller and was also appointed parliamentarian and the city's representative to the planning commission. Nick Carroll was appointed deputy comptroller. The council also accepted a slate of appointments placing council members on the city's advisory boards and commissions, including Jeff Bjork to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board, Sean Downing to River Falls Creates Public Art and the Design Review Committee, Scott Morissette to the Utility Advisory Board and Todd Bierstead to the Housing Authority.

The council named the law firm Weld Riley as city attorney (appointment confirmation noted in the minutes) and adopted a resolution designating public depositories for city funds. A resolution designating the Pierce County Journal as the city's official newspaper also passed; a member stated an abstention during that vote. The meeting packet included a review of bylaws and organizational updates; council meeting dates were set for the coming months and the Board of Review was scheduled for Sept. 10 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Election of Scott Morissette as council president: motion seconded; "All in favor? Aye." Outcome: approved. - Appointment of Diane O'Dean as comptroller: motion seconded; "All in favor? Aye." Outcome: approved. - Appointment of Nick Carroll as deputy comptroller: motion seconded; "All in favor? Aye." Outcome: approved. - Appointments to boards/commissions (multiple named assignments): motion to accept appointments seconded; "All in favor? Aye." Outcome: approved. - Resolution designating public depositories: motion seconded; "All in favor? Aye." One member stated an abstention. Outcome: approved. - Resolution naming Pierce County Journal as official newspaper: motion seconded; one abstention stated. Outcome: approved. - Appointment of Weld Riley as city attorney: motion and second noted in the meeting. Outcome: approved. - Motion to adjourn: motion seconded; "All in favor? Aye." Outcome: approved.

The organizational meeting is a procedural gathering the council holds annually to swear in officials and set internal roles and routine administrative items; the mayor noted that this is not a regular meeting and that public comment will be taken at the council's next regular meeting on April 22 at 6:30 p.m. The council adjourned after completing the organizational business.