city of hudson common council

meeting minutes of monday, january 15, 2007

 

 

Meeting called to order by Mayor Jack Breault in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:00 p.m. 

 

PRESENT:   Mayor Breault and Alderpersons Randy Morrissette, Dennis O’Connell, Paul Radermacher, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley and Carah Koch.

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Betty Caruso, Denny Darnold, Mike Laatsch, Debbie Laatsch, Paul Larson, Marty Jensen, Ruth Peterson, Evy Nerbonne, Jim Frye, and others.

 

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT:  Mayor Breault called for comments and suggestions three times; none were given.

 

     CONSENT AGENDA:   MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

 

MINUTES:  Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 12/18/06.

 

Claims:  Approve the following claims for payment:

 

     December 18 through January 2, 2007:

 

Fund

Description

payables

payroll

Totals

100

General

87,162.17

166,655.34

253,817.51

410

Tax Increment Financing

720,565.00

0.00

720,565.00

450

Capital Projects

119,748.38

0.00

119,748.38

610

Sewer

10,881.04

10,353.32

21,234.36

620

Parking Utility

1,916.79

814.43

2,731.22

630

Ambulance

11,467.84

19,060.09

30,527.93

 

Totals

951,741.22

196,883.18

1,148,624.40

 

     January 2 through January 15, 2007:

 

Fund

Description

Payables

Totals

Totals

100

General

338,262.91

112,049.87

450,312.78

225

Impact Collection

133.50

0.00

133.50

230

Wisc DVL/RVL

27.00

0.00

27.00

410

Tax Increment Financing

480.00

0.00

480.00

450

Capital Projects

8,839.96

0.00

8,839.96

490

Biosolids

0.00

0.00

0.00

610

Sewer

91,241.02

8,876.97

100,117.99

620

Parking Utility

1,384.81

803.90

2,188.71

630

Ambulance

13,679.86

7,869.56

21,549.42

 

              Totals

454,049.06

129,600.30

583,649.36

 

Applications for Operator’s Licenses:  Approve the issuance of regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 1/16/07 through 6/30/08                            to:

 

Rebecca R. Helgeson       517 Warren Ct., Apt.32     River Falls, WI

Elizabeth A. Weinkam      1113 Juniper Way                Hudson, WI

Meghan M. Dusek           606 150th Street           Roberts, WI

 

Renewal of Secondhand Jewelry Dealer’s License for Richard Inlow, d/b/a Inlow Designs, 523 Second Street, Hudson, WI:  Approve the renewal and issuance of a Secondhand Jewelry Dealer’s license to Richard W. Inlow, d/b/a Inlow Designs, 523 Second Street, Hudson, WI.

 

     2007 Service Charge Rates:  Approve the approximate 3% increase in the Public Works Service Charge rates for 2007, as submitted.

 

2007 User Fees:    Approve the 2007 Park User Fee Schedule, as submitted.

 

Boat Mooring Policy:  Approve the Boot Mooring Policy and fees for 2007, as submitted.

 

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS:  Place on file the Quarterly Reports of the Public Works and Parks Director, Fire Chief, and the Community Access Board minutes of 12/05/06, and the Public Utility Commission minutes of 1/9/07.

 

     Roll call vote, all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Certified Survey Map for two commercial lots south of Crest View Drive and west of Gateway Boulevard (County Market & The Home Depot) – Learsi of Hudson, LLC:  Denny Darnold stated that the Plan Commission recommended approval of the proposed two-lot certified survey map as presented by Learsi of Hudson, LLC.  He noted the two main issues that needed to be addressed were conformance with off-street parking and the provision of updating utility and access easements.  He also noted that the Public Works and Water Utility Departments had reviewed the proposed utility easements and had concurred they were adequate to provide access to public water, storm water, and sanitary utilities. 

 

     MOTION by Morrissette, second by O'Malley, to approve the proposal of Learsi of Hudson, LLC to create a  two-lot certified survey map south of Crest View Drive and west of Gateway Boulevard.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Request for pay adjustment for Interim Chief of Police:  administrator Devin Willi reported that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the $3.87 per hour wage increase for the Acting Chief of Police, retroactive from September 1, 2006 and until a new Chief is hired and in place.  It was estimated that the hiring process could take another eight weeks, resulting in an estimated total cost of approximately $3,900. 

 

     MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to approve the pay adjustment of $3.87 per hour to Acting Police Chief Paul Larson (effective 9/1/06 until a new Police Chief is hired), as recommended by the Finance Committee.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Police Department issues re: retirement and vacancy of a Patrol Officer position:  Administrator Willi reported that the Finance Committee recommended authorizing Acting Chief Larson and himself to begin the process of filling a Patrol Officer position due to the pending retirement of Officer Dunn.  He explained that they hoped to have someone hired so the Field Training could begin before Officer Dunn leaves. 

 

MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to proceed with hiring a replacement Patrol Officer for Officer Dunn as soon as possible.  Mayor Breault noted that the funds were available in the current Police Department budget.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Police Department staff vacancy and pre-employment tasks:  Administrator Willi stated that he and Acting Chief Larson would work together to compile cost estimates regarding proposals for future staffing needs in the Police Department, and would provide the information at the next meeting.

 

Initial review of cost estimates for pedestrian crossing on Vine Street at Diamond Drive:  Mayor Breault stated that the exact costs are not known for the pedestrian crossing on Vine Street at Diamond Drive.  He stated that bid amounts and funding sources should be identified before proceeding. 

 

MOTION by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to remove the stop sign on Vine Street at the Diamond Drive intersection, to install a pedestrian crossing flag system and a traffic change alert sign.  Discussion included opinions about removing the stop sign, the traffic study report, and speed.  Additional discussion was held regarding the speed monitoring signage that was proposed.  It was noted that a 3M Company representative would be providing more information to Sgt. Marty Jensen. 

 

MOTION AMENDED by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to include placement of the Speed O Meter trailer at the intersection, until permanent signage is determined.  In discussion, it was noted that the turn lanes would be put back in place, as well.  Vote taken (show of hands) 3 ayes: O’Malley, O’Connell and Wyland; Noes: (3) Radermacher, Morrissette, and Koch.  Mayor Breault broke the tie and voted “aye” in favor of the motion.  MOTION CARRIED. 

 

T.I.F. District issues and possible consideration:  denny Darnold requested that a public information meeting be scheduled to educate the Plan Commission, Staff, Council, and developers on the use of Tax Incremental Financing programs.  He noted that the City would not be obligated to use a TIF, but the informational meeting would be helpful in order to provide proper consideration for such a possibility.  He also noted that the Plan Commission was looking into offering incentives for downtown improvements, and the TIF is one tool that could be used. 

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to authorize Mr. Darnold to schedule a Tax Increment Financing informational seminar.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider allowing the dumpster for San Pedro restaurant to be placed on City property:  radermacher reported that the Public Safety Committee recommended allowing the San Pedro restaurant to place their dumpster on City property near the Public Safety Building on a trial basis for 60 days.  Sgt. Jensen stated that, for visibility reasons, he believed the dumpsters were currently in an unsafe location.  Attorney Munkittrick pointed out the possibility of compensation to the City, as well as the precedent that would be established.  She also recommended the use of a contract with a hold harmless clause.  Discussion included information regarding the loss of lease for the current space used by the dumpster, and the placement of dumpsters in other downtown areas. 

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to allow placement of the dumpster for the San Pedro restaurant along the west wall of the Public Safety Building, at no charge for 60 days beginning 1/15/07, with a written lease, indemnification and hold harmless clause, and include San Pedro’s naming the City as an additional insured on their insurance policy.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Consider removal of second speed limit sign on eastbound Vine Street near Hickory Road:  radermacher explained that the Public Safety Committee recommended removal of the 25 mile-per-hour speed limit sign eastbound on Vine Street near Hickory Road.  He stated that it caused confusion with the school zone speed limit sign. 

 

MOTION by Radermacher, second by Morrissette, to remove two 25 mile-per-hour speed limit signs on eastbound Vine Street near Hickory Road.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Cost estimates for Diamond Drive/Vine Street intersection pedestrian crossing (information only):  Mayor Breault stated that definite cost estimates were needed for the pedestrian crossing, and this would be a future agenda item.

 

Review/update of policy re: hanging banners:  O’Malley stated that Attorney Munkittrick had provided a very clear opinion that the City should not have any banners hanging over the state highway in the downtown area.  Discussion topics included freedom of speech, possible litigation problems, advertising by non-profit groups, and past usage.  Attorney Munkittrick reviewed the dangers and difficulties that could arise.  Additional opinions were shared about finding a possible alternative. 

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to authorize Attorney Munkittrick to further investigate a banner policy and offer a range of options.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Request permission from State Elections Board to use paper ballots at               February 20th Primary Election – Resolution No. 1-07:  motion by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 1-07.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to adopt the following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 1-07

PETITION STATE ELECTIONS BOARD FOR PERMISSION TO USE

PAPER BALLOTS AT THE FEBRUARY 20, 2007 PRIMARY ELECTION

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider amending Ch. 99-6 of Municipal Code re: feeding wild animals –

Ordinance No. 1-07:  motion by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance No. 1-07.  Ayes (3); Noes (3). MOTION FAILED.  O’Malley explained the purpose of the proposed change to Chapter 99, noting that currently bird feeders in yards were illegal.  He stated he was trying to clarify the wording of the ordinance.  Additional discussion was held. 

 

MOTION by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance No. 1-07.  Vote taken (show of hands) Ayes (4): Wyland, O’Malley, Morrissette, and O’Connell; Noes (2): Radermacher and Koch.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

     MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to adopt Ordinance No. 1-07.  Discussion included information concerning the feeding of trumpeter swans, and also squirrels and other four-legged animals.  MOTION RESCINDED by O’Malley and O’Connell. 

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to conduct a first reading on Ordinance 1-07.  Discussion included information that additional work would be done on the wording of the ordinance.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

    

Review of City of Algoma ordinance re: sexual offender residency restrictions:  mayor Breault noted that review of the City of Algoma’s ordinance regarding sexual offender residency restrictions would be held over until Mr. O’Keefe could be present at a future Council meeting. 

 

     COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MAYOR:  Mayor Breault provided a status report regarding the Municipal Building at 911 Fourth Street.  He noted that the tenants have complied with the cleanup request.  He also announced that a public workshop meeting with the Plan Commission would be held on Thursday, January 18, 2007 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the St. Croix Marina.  The purpose of the workshop would be to review building guidelines, standards, and regulations, and downtown development analysis.

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:  Wyland requested review of charges for use of Park shelters, if town meetings were to be held there.  Radermacher agreed to take the issue back to the Park Board.  O’Malley pointed out the Police Department complimented the Public Works Department for their recent snow removal efforts.  Fire Chief Frye acknowledged the emergency response teams that handled a traffic accident involving a leaking propane tanker.  He stated that their central command system worked very well.

 

O’Malley requested an agenda item for the February 5th Council meeting regarding the possibility of having a Referendum question on the April 3rd election ballot on the matter of the proposed picnic shelter facility on the Dike Road.

 

Mr. Willi reminded that NIMS training was required for all elected officials, and EMS Chief Eric Christensen could be contacted for more information.  He also noted that the first half or full payment of property taxes would be due January 31, 2007.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to adjourn at 8:04 p.m.  All ayes (6).  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Nancy Korson, City Clerk

 

I hereby certify that the City Clerk has submitted the foregoing minutes to me, and I hereby by my signature approve said minutes and all acts of the Common Council as sent forth therein.

 

Jack D. Breault, Mayor