RIVER FALLS — The River Falls City Council designated DeSanctis Park as the official River Falls Bee City Park and approved an ordinance creating residential targeted picketing regulations during the Sept. 24 meeting.

With the exception of Alderperson Alyssa Mueller, council approved a resolution that implements a fine in instances of residential targeted picketing. The ordinance prevents protesting outside of a targeted home in the city.

Less than a year ago, a similar ordinance was rejected by the council that would have protected city officials, while the new proposal protects all of the city’s residents.

“This is not the same resolution,” Alderperson Sean Downing said. “Those little details are actually very big details.”

Downing voted against the previous resolution that was presented to protect city officials, and looked into the constitutionality of the proposed one after the last council meeting. Through conversations with the city attorney, police chief and Wisconsin’s municipal league legal attorney, Downing concluded the resolution is constitutional as it is a reasonable restriction on freedom of speech.

Residents on both sides of the issue spoke during the public hearing portion.

“I feel like there’s a lot of tension in River Falls over the election,” Carole Mottaz said. “And if people don’t like the results, I’m really concerned about mob mentality taking over.”

“It’s unneeded as there already exists laws which provide protection from harassment in one’s own home,” Dana Linscott said.

Linscott said no instance of residential targeted picketing has occurred, the ordinance is “toothless” and it infringes on free speech.

A pair of residents with experience as public officials shared their support for the ordinance, discussing the safety it brings to both the targets of the protest and their families.

“Unfortunately, rules of civility are not what they once were,” Lenny Austin said.

Alderperson Scott Morrissette, who played a role in the ordinance returning to council, shared the importance of protecting city residents.

“I felt that a broader definition of who it covered being any resident was important,” Morrissette said. “I worry about the baseball coach, the minister that has an opinion of something that you don’t agree with.”

Morrissette said while no instances are happening in River Falls, it is still worth having an ordinance in case it ever does. Morrissette said while he is unbothered by threats and harassment, they can have an effect on his wife and family, and they need protection.

Mueller said removing a way for residents to protest over an issue that has not reached the city yet would be the wrong decision at the previous council meeting.

“To me, it feels like we’re taking away a fundamental right of our citizens to express their frustration through free speech public demonstration on public property, including the sidewalks, for something that’s never happened,” Mueller said during the Sept. 10 meeting.

Bee City

The council designated DeSanctis Park as the official River Falls Bee City Park.

Council adopted a resolution in 2022 that designated the City of River Falls as a Bee City USA affiliate, which allows the River Falls Bee City Committee to “develop and implement a program to create or expand pollinator-friendly habitat on public and private land.”

“The designation would build community partnerships that conserve pollinators. DeSanctis Park is already proven to be good bee habitat. The Glover School House and the park would be an ideal location for showcasing an educational approach to teaching the community how to conserve pollinators,” city documents state.

Downing, the River Falls Bee City Committee chair, thanked people that signed the petition that reached 278 signatures.

“What we discovered, in the review process, is that this will be a non-toxic park at times,” Downing said. “However, site planning and invasive species are two exceptions for chemical use when needed.”

Three residents spoke in favor of the resolution during the public comment portion of the meeting.

Other Business

• Approved the updated WisDOT Urban Area Boundary, which is altered after each census year. The change affects Wisconsin Department of Transportation funding, as the money is specified for either urban or rural roads.
• Approved a preliminary resolution to exercise special assessment police powers to benefit the River Falls Business Improvement District.
• Authorized the application for a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources urban forestry grant to cover expenses for Emerald Ash Borer response.