CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 21, 2008

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

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

OTHERS PRESENT: Cathy Munkittrick, Devin Willi, Betty Caruso, Denny Darnold, Eric Atkinson, Evy Nerbonne, Marty Jensen, Dean Knudson, Chuck Schwartz, Randy Hanson, Lori Bernard, Paul Gerrard, Phil Dommer, Jim Frye, Sheri Rosenberger, Mike Skrukrud, and others.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Evy Nerbonne, representing the Hudson Hot Air Affair, invited Council and the public to attend the Mardi Gras themed Hot Air Affair event February 1st, 2nd and 3rd. She stated that a jazz concert would be held February 2^nd at the Faith Community Church, including musical performers and a silent auction. She noted it would be a fund-raiser for a medical mission in downtown New Orleans and that 30 local businesses are participating. Other activities include hot air balloon launches, a torch-light parade on Friday night, the moonglow, or “Field of Fire” on Saturday night, and market and craft fair at the E.P. Rock School on Saturday. Additional information is available at www.hudsonhotairaffair.com

CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION by Radermacher, second by Wyland, to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

MINUTES: Approve the regular meeting minutes of January 7, 2008 and the Special Meeting minutes of January 16, 2008.

Two-lot Certified Survey Map for one residential lot and one industrial lot, Sherman Lane and Baer Drive, Town of Hudson (Extraterritorial subdivision review)part of SE¼, SE¼, Section 17, T29N, R19W, Town of Hudson, St. Croix County – Duro Bag Manufacturing Co. Approve the two-lot certified survey map for subdivision of the property at 486 County Road A, as proposed by the Duro Bag Manufacturing Company.

Final plat for Red Cedar Canyon Sixth Addition – four townhome lots north of the intersection of West Canyon Drive/Canyon Boulevard – Hans Hagen Homes: Approve the final plat of Red Cedar Canyon 6^th Addition creating four townhome lots north of the intersection of Canyon Drive and Canyon Boulevard, with execution of the final plat contingent on execution of the Development Agreement.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

FUND		DESCRIPTION		PAYABLES		PAYROLL		TOTALS
100		General		334,764.75		118,862.83		453,627.58
231		SCBP-RVL Loan		35,737.50		0.00		35,737.50
	350		Special Assessments		448.28		0.00		448.28
	410		Tax Increment Financing		1,983.85		0.00		1,983.85
	450		Capital Projects		19,223.60		0.00		19,223.60
	610		Sewer		108,672.15		9,712.00		118,384.15
	620		Parking		2,041.06		1,008.50		3,049.56
	630		Ambulance		22,761.18		7,863.63		30,624.81
	860		Tax Agency		620,854.86		0.00		620,854.86
			TOTALS		$1,146,487.23		$137,446.96		$1,283,934.19

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Approve the issuance of

Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 1/22/08 through 6/30/09 to:

Amanda J. Shaw 1029 State St. Apt. 30 River Falls, WI

Jennifer L. Thompson 2120 Reaney Ave. St. Paul, MN

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the Quarterly Reports of the Fire Chief, Building Inspector and Finance Officer, and the Public Utility Commission minutes of 1/9/08.

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

Application by Gerrard Corporation and BrightKEYS Development to amend the Conditional Use Permit for Heritage Greens planned residential development to permit 24 senior rental townhomes to replace 31 townhomes, located west of STH 35 and north of Hanley Road and southeast of the terminus of existing Heritage Boulevard: Denny Darnold announced that the Plan Commission had recommended approval of the request to amend the Conditional Use Permit. He noted that the Plan Commission held a public hearing, and many residents of the Heritage Greens development expressed their concerns.

Paul Gerrard provided a history of the development and noted that floor plans were presented in December and a meeting with the neighborhood was held. Information was shared regarding the energy efficiency of the units and the benefits to the community.

Mike Skrukrud offered his concerns about the association dues related to the project. Mayor Breault stated the need to keep the issues separate, as the Plan Commission did. He also recommended additional meetings be held between BrightKEYS representatives and the resident association members. He also suggested appointing a resident to the Board of Directors. City Attorney Munkittrick noted that matter was between the developer, BrightKEYS, and the association members and recommended getting a binding agreement.

Additional discussion and opinions were shared regarding budget deficits, services, and how up-front money would be used. MOTION by Morrissette, second by Burchill, to approve the amendment to the Conditional Use Permit for Heritage Greens planned residential development to permit 24 senior rental townhomes to replace 31 townhomes, as requested by BrightKEYS Development and the Gerrard Corporation. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Appointment by JL & M of Hudson, Inc. of Mellissa Dahl as agent for Twisted Grille, 501 Second Street, Hudson, WI: mayor Breault reported that the Finance Committee recommended approval. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to approve the appointment of Mellissa Dahl as agent for the Twisted Grille at 501 Second Street. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Approval of vendors for Hot Air Affair event: mayor Breault announced that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the vendors, as presented. MOTION by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to approve the vendors for the Hot Air Affair event, as submitted. Discussion was held concerning authorization for the City Clerk and Sgt. Jensen to approve any additional vendor registrations, due to the limited time remaining before the event, since it was a new procedure. MOTION AMENDED to include authorization for Sgt. Jensen and the City Clerk to review any additional vendor applications that are received, and to act accordingly. Additional information was shared regarding vendor concerns about the need to provide their driver license number on the form. Vote taken, all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Bonestroo 2008 engineering rates: mayor Breault noted that there was no recommendation from the Finance Committee. O’Malley stated that he believed a 2% increase would be more appropriate than the 3.5% that was requested. Radermacher and Morrissette noted that they believed Bonestroo’s performance should be evaluated. It was reported that a few years ago the City had also advertised for bids for engineering services. MOTION by O’Malley, to offer Bonestroo a 2% rate increase for 2008. Attorney Munkittrick advised that the Council could wait on determining an increase until the bids are received. The motion had no second; O’Malley RESCINDED the MOTION.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to request proposals from other engineering firms. Engineer Chuck Schwartz presented information regarding Bonestroo’s fee structure. Additional discussion was held regarding the economic concerns for engineering rates. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider amending the IT budget to include unused funds from the 2007 technology budget: finance Officer Betty Caruso shared information concerning the 2007 IT budget balance, and the need to include it with the 2008 IT funds. IT Administrator Mike Kruger explained the management of email accounts and legislation concerning electronic correspondence, as well as contractors and expenses related to retrieving and storing data. It was noted that there would be an annual expense of $9,500 to comply with the legislation. O’Malley shared his displeasure concerning the computer system. Wyland pointed out the need to meet the legal requirements.

Ms. Caruso stated she would be comfortable taking the amount from the 2007 fund balance, and there would still be sufficient fund balance for the City. Wyland also suggested having Mr. Kruger provide an update about the changes that have been implemented in the past year.

MOTION by Morrissette, second by Radermacher, to recommend that the $9,500 IT expenditure be funded with unused funds from the 2007 budget. Ayes (5); O’Malley voted No. MOTION CARRIED.

Carmichael Road improvements – St. Croix County proposal AND Cost estimate for Carmichael Road Mill and Overlay Project: o’malley explained that both items were on the Public Works Committee’s agenda, and both were deferred. He stated that additional facts are needed and the Committee took no action.

Consider removing two on-street parking spaces on the southeast side of St. Croix Street at the Third Street intersection: Radermacher stated that the Public Safety Committee recommended temporary signage, and to replace it with a permanent sign in the spring. It was noted that the parking restriction on St. Croix Street would affect an area about the size of two parking spaces. Discussion was held regarding safety concerns in the area of Third Street at the St. Croix Street intersection. Homeowner Betty Caruso indicated that an evergreen tree on her property was also obstructing the view and could be removed. Shelly Rosenberger shared her concerns for crossing St. Croix Street between 3:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. on school days.

MOTION by Radermacher, second by Wyland to approve installation of a temporary sign stating “No Parking from here to corner” on the southeast side of St. Croix Street at Third Street. MOTION AMENDED by Radermacher, second by Wyland to include signage on both sides of St. Croix Street. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider Wells Fargo Bank’s request for 15-minute parking spaces on Second Street: Radermacher stated that the Public Safety Committee recommended only one parking space be changed to a 15-minute space. MOTION by Radermacher, second by Wyland, to approve changing the current metered parking space on Second Street at Locust Street (in front of Wells Fargo Bank) to be signed “15 minute parking.” O’Malley requested additional signage indicating right-turn only when exiting the drive-through area at Wells Fargo Bank. Mayor Breault stated that issue could be referred to the Public Safety Committee. All ayes, (6), MOTION CARRIED.

communications and recommendations of the mayor: Mayor Breault noted the observance of Martin Luther King Day.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: Burchill requested an update on the status of the Carmichael Road/Vine Street Traffic Study. Denny Darnold stated that the final draft was received on Friday; it also included a recommendation for the Vine Street stop signs at Third and Fourth Streets, and the Wastewater Treatment Plant Study. He noted he would be reviewing the documents and would provide them in a few days.

Radermacher requested Closed Session be held February 4, 2008 regarding the status of the hiring of a new Police Chief, to consider creating an Assistant Police Chief position, and to review the City Administrator’s performance.

Morrissette requested that the Compliance Officer go to the Thirteenth Street neighborhood regarding compliance violations, and noted there have been 67 calls for service in the area. Mayor Breault recommended that the Public Safety Committee include that as an agenda item at their next meeting.

Administrator Devin Willi announced that licensing is required for all dogs and cats within the City limits. Licenses can be obtained at the Clerk’s office. It was also noted that when animals are caught running at large, fines are issued.

CLOSED SESSION pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats. to discuss (1) 2008 Collective bargaining agreements with Teamsters Union for Clerical and Public Works units; and (2) 2008 Compensation for non-represented employees, and (3)Training issues related to Interim Police Chief: MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley to convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats. to discuss (1) 2008 collective bargaining agreements with Teamsters Union for Clerical and Public Works units; and (2) 2008 Compensation for non-represented employees, and (3) Training issues related to Interim Police Chief. Roll call vote, all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED at 7:59 p.m.

Reconvene into Open Session for possible action re: (1) 2008 Collective bargaining agreement - Teamsters Local 662, Clerical Unit; (2) 2008 Collective bargaining agreement - Teamsters Local 662, Public Works Unit; 2008 compensation for non-represented employees; and Amending Employee Handbook regarding paid holidays and bereavement leave:

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill to reconvene into Open Session. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED at 9:12 p.m.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to approve the 2008 Collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 662, Clerical Unit. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve the 2008 Collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 662, Public Works Unit. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve the 2008 wage increases for the following non-represented employees: 2.5% for the Fire Inspector/Compliance Officer and Executive Secretary; and a $1,620 increase to the City Administrator, Police Lieutenant, Community Development Director, Finance Officer, Wastewater Superintendent, IT Administrator, Assessor/Building Inspector, City Clerk, and Building/Zoning Assistant. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION by Radermacher, second by Burchill, to amend the Employee Handbook regarding paid holidays and bereavement leave, as presented.

Under Chapter 9 BENEFITS, Section 10 – Holidays would include Christmas Eve day as a Full Day Holiday and the Christmas Eve afternoon would be removed from the Half Day Holiday list, and the items renumbered.

In Chapter 9 BENEFITS, Section 13, Miscellaneous Leaves With Pay, the third paragraph - Bereavement Leave - would be amended to read as follows: “In the event of the death of a current spouse, child or stepchild, bereavement leave of up to five (5) workdays may be granted, or, in the event of the death of a member of the immediate family of a fulltime employee, bereavement leave of up to three (3) workdays may be granted. The definition of family members in relation to using bereavement leave shall follow the same definitions as established in the collective bargaining agreement in place with the Clerical Unit of the Teamsters Local 662.”

All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Connell, to adjourn. All ayes (6). MOTION CARRIED at 9:14 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.

Jack D. Breault, Mayor