CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2009

 

Meeting called to order by Mayor Dean Knudson in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:05 p.m. Mayor Knudson led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

PRESENT:   Mayor Knudson and Alderpersons Randy Morrissette, Pam Brokaw, Lori Bernard, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley and Alan Burchill.

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Devin Willi, Cathy Munkittrick, Denny Darnold, Tom Zeuli, Chuck Schwartz, Betty Caruso, Randy Hanson, David Gray, Harry Urschel, Jerry Bauer, Jim Frye, Wes Sanda, Tom Hubbard, and others.

 

     COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT:  Jerry Bauer, 223 Iverson Circle, spoke regarding the Carmichael Road project and requested that a bike path be included.  He offered three suggestions that included paving the shoulder of the road, or, when the stripes are repainted, to narrow the vehicle lanes to allow space for a bike path, or provide a completely separate trail.  He noted the costs for that would be significantly more, but would be safer.  Mayor Knudson noted the topic could be considered later in the meeting when the agenda item is discussed. 

 

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

 

MINUTES:  Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 1/5/09.

 

     CLAIMS:  Approve the following claims for payment:

 

FUND

DESCRIPTION

PAYABLES

PAYROLL

TOTALS

100

General

180,328.39

130,131.83

310,460.22

225

Impact Collection

2,630.50

0.00

2,630.50

280

Park Donations

125.00

0.00

125.00

450

Capital Projects

66,200.00

0.00

66,200.00

610

Sewer

131,703.54

9,068.96

140,772.50

620

Parking

3,348.70

932.89

4,281.59

630

Ambulance

5,715.03

17,686.31

23,401.34

860

Tax Agency

429,210.79

0.00

429,210.79

 

TOTALS

$819,261.95

$157,819.99

$977,081.94

 

 Application of Scott Furlong for Amusement Device Operator’s License and Amusement Device Permits d/b/a Leisure Entertainment RW LLC, 160 Tyler Road N., Red Wing, MN:  Approve the issuance of an Amusement Device Operator’s License and Amusement Device Permits to Scott Furlong d/b/a Leisure Entertainment RW LLC, 160 Tyler Road N., Red Wing, MN for the period 1/20/09 through 6/30/09.

 

 Application of Robert W. Madson, 745 10th Street North, Hudson, for renewal      of a Secondhand Jewelry Dealer’s License d/b/a Elizabeth’s Fine Jewelry, 2117 Coulee Road, Hudson, WI.  Approve the issuance of a Secondhand Jewelry Dealer’s License to Robert W. Madson, 745 10th Street North, Hudson, d/b/a Elizabeth’s Fine Jewelry at 2117 Coulee Road, Hudson, WI.

 

 Approve Public Works 2009 Service Charge Rates:  Approve the Public Works Service Charge Rates for 2009, as submitted.

 

Application of Ja’Sha D. Diekmann-Smith, 477 Sycamore St., Prescott, WI for Secondhand Article Dealer’s license d/b/a La’Croix Consignment at 408 Second Street, Hudson, WI:  Approve the issuance of a Secondhand Article Dealer’s License to Ja’Sha D. Diekmann-Smith, 477 Sycamore St., Prescott, WI d/b/a  La’Croix Consignment at 408 Second Street, Hudson, WI.

 

Consider request for Multiple Sclerosis Walk to be held 5/3/09:  Approve the request for the Multiple Sclerosis Walk to be held 5/3/09 from 8:00 a.m. to Noon, beginning and ending at the High School Parking lot on Vine Street.

 

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS COMMISSIONS:  Place on file the quarterly reports of the Public Works Director, Wastewater Director and Fire Department.

 

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

 

Conditional Use Permit to place an additional 72 square feet of signage on the freestanding sign at Plaza 94 Shopping Center – Kraus Anderson:   denny Darnold reported that the Plan Commission recommended approval of the additional signage for Plaza 94.  He reviewed information on the current sign ordinance and noted that the Plan Commission pointed out that the Plaza 94 shopping center has evolved and recognized the need for more signage.  Morrissette recused himself.

 

 MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve the request of Kraus Anderson for a Conditional Use Permit to allow an additional 72 square feet of signage on the freestanding sign at Plaza 94, and to remove any signs in the City right-of-way at Plaza 94.  Mr. Darnold noted that a Farmer’s Market sign was in place, but recommended it not be included in the requirement to be removed.  Discussion was held regarding the use of banner signs.  Mr. Darnold pointed out that the Kraus Anderson company had contacted their tenants to notify them that banner signage on their private property was not allowed.  Mayor Knudson noted that sign enforcement would continue.  All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Final development Plans for 65,116 sq.ft. industrial building at 3001 Harvey Street – Dean Hanson/Cedar Falls Building Systems, Inc:  Mr. Darnold stated that the Plan Commission recommended approval with three contingencies.  He also noted the concerns of Engineer Chuck Schwartz about the grade of the driveways, and that a letter of credit would be required.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to approve the final development plans for the 65,114 square foot industrial building at 3001 Harvey Street, as proposed by Dean Hanson and Cedar Falls Building Systems, with the following conditions:

 

·         Plans to be amended to address the concerns in the 1/8/09 letter from Engineer Chuck Schwartz, with grades of driveways to have a minimum slope of 1% with the developer to try to achieve a minimum grade of 1.5%

·         The upper retaining wall to be lowered to achieve a less steep slope between the proposed retaining walls, with Mr. Hanson to provide a letter to the City indicating that he grants permission for the grading to extend into his lot to the west.

·         A letter of credit in the amount of $8,250 be provided to the City to assure the restoration of disturbed areas and inspections.

 

It was noted that Engineer Tom Hubbard of Cedar Falls Building Systems, Inc. was present to answer any questions.  Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Development plans for the Market Green and the Harmony Green, Heritage Market/Heritage Greens planned residential development – T V and H Properties, LLC:  denny Darnold stated that the Plan Commission and staff recommended approval of the plans, with certain conditions.  O’Malley recused himself.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by Burchill, to approve the development plans for Market Green and Harmony Green as proposed by TV & H Properties, LLC, with the following conditions:

 

·         If modified, the plans are to be resubmitted to the City/Community Development Director to determine the degree of change proposed, and whether City re-review and approval is required.

·         Market Green must be completed prior to July 1, 2009, or if it appears that the improvements proposed for Market Green cannot be completed by that date, TV & H Properties must request an extension.

·         The cost estimates for Market Green to be submitted, based on the approved plans, to determine if the existing letter of credit will be sufficient to assure completion of the proposed improvements in accordance with the approved development plans.

 

Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Application(s) for Operator’s Licenses:  Morrissette recused himself.  MOTION by Brokaw, second by Wyland to approve the issuance of a Regular Operator’s License for the period 1/20/09 to 6/30/10 to:

 

Dylan B. Martinez, 1457 Wildcat Court, Apt. 202 River Falls, WI

 

Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider Public Works Dept. purchase of pre-wetting equipment for roads:  Mayor Knudson stated that this equipment purchase was included in the 2009 budget and the Public Works and Finance Committees recommended approval. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to approve the purchase of one 3,000-gallon tank and pumping system from Veritec Industries at a cost of $5,645.60, and two 100-gallon tailgate mounted units for $5,944.50 and three 35-gallon units for $12,526.71 from Crysteel Truck Equipment, for a total equipment cost of $24,116.81.  it was noted that the total cost would cover installation of equipment on five trucks, not six, due to lack of funding.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Issues re: possible lawn mowing contracts:  mayor Knudson explained that the Finance Committee recommended an additional breakdown of areas included in the mowing contracts so that separate bids could be submitted.  They recommended that the park areas be separated into three groups.  Discussion was held concerning weed control.  Mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee recommended bringing the item back at their next meeting; no Council action was required.

 

Applications from Crusader Hockey, Inc. for Temporary Class “B”/”class B” Retailers Licenses to sell beer at five Hudson Crusader Hockey games:  Mayor Knudson explained that a different organization submitted the applications and Council has approved and denied such applications in the past.  MOTION by Burchill, second by Bernard, to approve the issuance of Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailers Licenses to Hudson Crusader Hockey, Inc. to sell beer at five Hudson Crusader Hockey games, January 24th and 28th, and February 6th, 14th and 22nd.  Discussion was held regarding reviewing the wording for temporary licenses, and that the applicant was responsible for the alcoholic beverage sales and profits.  The restaurant requirement for regular Class B beer licenses was also noted, as well as the need for a valid reason to deny licenses, and to be consistent.  Ayes (4); Noes (2) O’Malley and Wyland.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider increasing building and zoning fees:  mayor Knudson reported that the building and zoning fees had not been increased since about the year 2000, and the Finance Committee recommended that an ordinance be drafted, with review by the City Attorney, and that the item would be on a future agenda.  No action was required at this time.

 

Approve plans and authorize Bonestroo to advertise for bids for Carmichael   Road Mill & Overlay Project:  Mayor Knudson provided information concerning the Carmichael Road construction project for 2009, the budget, funding, and advertising for bids. 

 

Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz provided updated information regarding the need to mill and overlay 3½ inches north of Hanley Road, due to the original 1½-inch lifts applied when the road was built.  He recommended that depth of the mill should be between the lifts.  An alternate to mill and overlay only 2 inches south of Hanley Road was also incorporated into the plans.  He suggested that the off-ramp at Hanley Road would also be included.   

 

Council reviewed the schedule of bid openings on February 19th, award the contract on March 2nd, and begin the project May 19th with completion by July 17th or 24th.  Discussion was held regarding the possibility of including a bike path.  Mr. Schwartz offered to pursue the suggestion with staff, but was concerned for the amount of room available, cost, and safety.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to authorize Bonestroo to advertise for bids for the 2009 Carmichael Road Mill and Overlay Project.  Discussion was held on the possibility of the school paying a portion of the pathway costs, and that this could be discussed further at a future meeting.  Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Redemption of $2,420,000 Special Assessment B Bonds, September 2001 Resolution No. 2-09.   Finance Officer Betty Caruso shared information about the special assessment funds, interest earnings, and the call for redemption and payoff of the B Bonds by March 1, 2009.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 2-09.  Roll call vote, Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to adopt the following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2-09

AUTHORIZING THE REDEMPTION OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT B BONDS

DATED SEPTEMBER 1, 2001

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

 

Consider request for Pond Hockey Games to be held on the St. Croix   River Feb. 6, 7 and 8, 2009, in conjunction with Hot Air Affair event:  Morrissette explained that the location for the pond hockey games had been changed to the area near the Lakefront Park Bathhouse, instead of the original site near the I-94 bridge.  He noted the reasons for the change included the need for solid ice, parking, and access.  It was also suggested that the ice be rechecked for stability.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to approve the request from St. Croix County Little League to schedule pond hockey games Feb. 6, 7 and 8, 2009, in conjunction with the Hot Air Affair event, contingent on proof of insurance.  Wes Sanda from the St. Croix County Little League explained that this would be a fundraiser for the Little League baseball team.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Proposed amendments to Hudson Municipal Code, Chapter 254 – FloodplainZoning, Ordinance No. 1-09:  Denny Darnold explained that the ordinance was basically a “housekeeping” item and was a requirement for updating the flood insurance rate maps.  He stated that the last change was done in 1975 and there were only minor changes.  Mr. Darnold also reported that most of the floodplain area involved is city owned property.  He noted that he and the Plan Commission recommended adoption of the ordinance.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance No. 1-09.  Roll call vote, Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill to adopt the following:

 

ORDINANCE NO. 1-09

AMEND & RECREATE CHAPTER 253, FLOODPLAIN ZONING

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

     All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

 

 

     Consider use of paper ballots during February 17, 2009 Primary Election – Resolution No. 1-09:  motion by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to suspend rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 1-09.  Roll call vote, Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley to adopt the following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 1-09

APPROVING SUBMITTAL OF REQUEST TO GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD

TO USE PAPER BALLOTS FOR FEBRUARY 17, 2009 SPRING PRIMARY

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

     The cost savings for using paper ballots at the primary election was noted.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Consider changing dates of second Council meeting in February and first Council meeting in April due to election setup:  motion by O’Malley, second by Wyland to change the Common Council meeting dates to February 18, 2009 and April 1, 2009 due to the Primary Election and Spring Election dates.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

communications and items for future agendas:  mayor Knudson stated that it was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and he expressed his hope for racial equality in the country.

 

Administrator Willi noted that the two Police unions had signed their union contracts.

 

CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT to §19.85(1)(c) Wis. Stats, to discuss 2009 compensation for the city clerk:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats, to discuss 2009 compensation for the City Clerk. Roll call vote, all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED at 8:12 p.m.

 

 

 

Reconvene in Open Session for possible action re: 2009 compensation for city clerk:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to reconvene into Open Session.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED at 8:47 p.m.

 

MOTION by Morrissette, second by Bernard, to approve a 2009 wage adjustment to $50,000 for the City Clerk, and to direct City Staff to move toward creating a merit-based raise system.  Mayor Knudson commented on the number of hours of continuing education that were completed, and that an adjustment was deserved.  He encouraged continuing education for others, as well.  O’Malley pointed out the raise would be an additional $1003.31 for the year.  Ayes (5); O’Malley voted No.  MOTION CARRIED.  

 

MOTION by Morrissette, second by Brokaw to adjourn.  All ayes (6).  MOTION CARRIED at 8:45 p.m.

 

Nancy J. 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.

  

Dean Knudson, Mayor