CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2008

UNAPPROVED

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, Scot O’Malley and Alan Burchill.

ABSENT: Alderperson Lee Wyland.

OTHERS PRESENT: Cathy Munkittrick, Devin Willi, Betty Caruso, Denny Darnold, Dean Knudson, Tom Zeuli, Chuck Schwartz, Randy Hanson, Bye Barsness, David Johnson, and others.

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

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

MINUTES: Approve the regular meeting minutes and Closed Session minutes of 1/21/08.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

FUND	DESCRIPTION	PAYABLES	PAYROLL	TOTALS
100	General	261,444.14	138,084.41	399,528.55
410	Tax Increment Financing	42,589.80	0.00	42,589.80
610	Sewer	18,805.53	10,111.92	28,917.45
620	Parking	1,560.83	1,291.82	2,852.65
630	Ambulance	22,544.42	24,506.75	47,051.17
860	Tax Agency	9,818.26	0.00	9,818.26
	TOTALS	$356,762.98	$173,994.90	$530,757.88

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Approve the issuance of

Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 2/5/08 through 6/30/09 to:

Nina F. Cooper 523 S Wasson Lane, Apt. 6 River Falls, WI

Jake R. Jenson 407 County Road E Hudson, WI

Hannah J. Noser 476 Park Lane Hudson, WI

Philip J. Thompson 2120 Reaney Avenue St. Paul, MN

Harriet R. Walker 512 B Third Street Hudson, WI

And to deny the application for an Operator’s License filed by Daniel E. Maass, 110A Evergreen Drive, Somerset, WI, as recommended by the Interim Chief of Police.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the Community Access Board minutes of 1/22/08, and the St. Croix E.M.S. Commission minutes of 1/28/08.

Roll call vote, all ayes (4) MOTION CARRIED.

Mayor Breault announced that he would be leaving the meeting after the Library proposal presentation and that Alderperson O’Malley would take over as Chairman for the rest of the meeting.

Presentation by Bye Barsness on future Library proposal and possible action on Advisory Referendum for new Joint Library building: bye Barsness shared information and a packet of materials regarding the proposed future library site at 700 First Street. The presentation included a plan to convert the current building, a comparison of alternatives, preliminary financing plans, and preliminary ownership and operations plans. He stated they were seeking authorization to proceed, and a firm decision would be needed by summer. Additional information was shared about the Hudson Area Joint Library members, including the City of Hudson, Town of Hudson, Village of North Hudson and the Town of St. Joseph. Mr. Barsness noted that the Town of Troy is not part of the Joint Library Board, but a portion of that community could be included.

Discussion was held regarding the timing for a non-binding referendum and the ability to begin negotiating a purchase offer, if all four municipalities agree to proceed. Lengthy discussion was held concerning the costs to the municipalities and the financing plans. Mayor Breault noted the need to contact the municipalities and discuss who would be paying for what, and how much it would cost. It was proposed that each municipality would pay a percentage based on population.

Finance Officer Betty Caruso pointed out that the property is currently on the City’s tax roll and the City would lose approximately $13,000 if it becomes a municipal building. She also explained the debt service, debt capacity, and levy limits. Additional discussion was held regarding donations and philanthropy in order to raise funds.

Attorney Munkittrick pointed out that a non-binding referendum would allow the municipalities to find out from their voters whether they would like to proceed or not.

Mayor Breault suggested that if the other municipalities are in agreement, another Council meeting could be held before February 19^th to determine the wording for the non-binding referendum question. O’Malley clarified that if the four municipalities agreed to proceed, an option to purchase the building could be executed by the Library Foundation, a private organization.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, that, contingent on affirmative votes by the other three municipalities, the City agrees to move forward and schedule a special meeting before February 19^th to determine the wording for a referendum question (that would be used at the April 1^st Spring Election). All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Mayor Breault left the meeting at 7:37 p.m. Alderperson O’Malley, presiding as Chairperson, noted he would still be a voting member.

Application of Chipotle Mexican Grill of Colorado, LLC for Class B Beer License d/b/a Chipotle Mexican Grill, 1021 Pearson Drive: O’malley noted the Finance Committee recommended approval. motion by O’Connell, second by Radermacher, to approve the issuance of a Class B beer license through June 30, 2008 to Chipotle Mexican Grill of Colorado, LLC d/b/a Chipotle Mexican Grill at 1021 Pearson Drive, contingent upon surrender of the current license held by Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Carmichael Road improvements – St. Croix County proposal AND Cost estimate for Carmichael Road Mill and Overlay Project: Denny Darnold provided information regarding the Carmichael Road Improvements and for the Carmichael Road Mill and Overlay Project. He stated that the St. Croix County Highway Department proposed improvements to County Highway F and the intersection of CTH F and Coulee Trail. The proposal may be divided into two areas, the area of CTH F north of the Coulee Trail intersection, and the Coulee Trail intersection at CTH F. Mr. Darnold stated that St. Croix County provided a cost estimate of $86,000, and that $26,000 could come from the School District, leaving a balance to the City of $60,000.

Additional information was shared regarding the City’s ability to pay their portion of the costs to the County in January of 2009, but the road work could be done in June of 2008. Discussion was held concerning the need for acquiring an easement.

An estimated cost for mill and overlay for the area north of Coulee Trail was projected at $18,975, and the cost of mill and overlay from Coulee Trail to Crest View Drive was estimated at $660,000. Finance Officer Betty Caruso explained the funding sources. She noted that the budget included $160,000 and $400,000 was included in the bond issue for work on Crest View Drive. She stated that additional bonds would be needed. Mr. Darnold provided details about the two different parts of the project.

MOTION by Burchill, second by Morrissette, to approve $20,000 for the completion of the Carmichael Road Mill & Overlay Project, payable to St. Croix County in 2009. MOTION AMENDED by Burchill, second by Morrissette, to approve “No more than $20,000." Mr. Darnold clarified that the cost to the City for budget purposes was $32,450 and it would include the area north of Coulee Trail, as included in the County proposal. MOTION AMENDED by Burchill, second by Morrissette, to be “No more than $35,000.” Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Discussion was held regarding the need to pursue the other portion of the project. It was questioned whether it would need to be done if the new school was not being built at that location. Chuck Schwartz noted that the earlier traffic study indicated that additional traffic did not warrant road changes. He also stated that engineer Shelly Johnson’s opinion was that the road did not need to be reconfigured. Mr. Darnold stated he would speak to the School District officials about these concerns and hold off on any further action at this time.

Consider changing date for second Council meeting in February, due to Primary Election setup: motion by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to schedule the second Council meeting in February for Wednesday, February 20^th, due to the election setup on February 18^th and the election on February 19^th. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider amendment to Lake Mallalieu Lower Dam joint agreement: The proposed amendment to the Lake Mallalieu Dam joint agreement was reviewed. Finance Officer Betty Caruso indicated her preference for wording of a “not to exceed amount” rather than a percentage amount. She requested this matter be held over until she contacts St. Croix County for more information. A question was raised concerning the City paying the inspection costs and having the other joint owners pay their portion.

Presentation by David Nelson re: River Cities proposal to dock a large vessel overnight in Hudson during July of 2010: Mr. David Nelson presented information on his development proposal to build a large floating condominium that would cruise the northern rivers in the summer and southern rivers in the winter. He noted that they were seeking overnight docking on the St. Croix River in Stillwater, Minnesota and also at Lakefront Park in Hudson, possibly during July of 2010, and every year after that. He explained that construction was expected to begin this fall, after all the condos are sold.

Discussion was held concerning the size, length, and draft of the vessel, the depth of the river at the seawall, possible date of dredging, and the benefit to local businesses, docking site, and the method of transporting people to shore. MOTION by O’Connell, second by Radermacher to refer the River Cities proposal for docking to the Public Safety Committee and the Park Board for their review and recommendations. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

communications and recommendations of the mayor: None.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: Radermacher noted that Council members received copies of the DOT letter concerning the possible re-opening of the former Exit 2 ramp on I-94 and noted he would like to have DOT Regional Systems Planning Chief Tom Beekman come to the next meeting to discuss that option.

O’Malley requested that the Request for Proposals for engineering firms be reconsidered at the next meeting. He noted that after discussions with current engineering services, Council needed to hear more information.

O’Malley also requested an agenda item for Council to discuss the advisability of requesting the Police and Fire Commission to demonstrate, by handbook or some other form, the Police Department’s procedures or guidelines.

Administrator Willi noted that the employee training request forms were now in use. He also reported that he and staff are also working on the 2010 Census. Mr. Willi called attention to the February 19^th election and the three polling places that would be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

It was noted that a Council meeting was scheduled for February 20^th at 5:00 p.m. to discuss financial issues with Ehlers & Associates.

CLOSED SESSION pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats. to discuss city administrator’s performance evaluation:

MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Connell to convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats. to discuss City Administrator’s performance evaluation. Roll call vote, all ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED at 8:15 p.m.

Reconvene into Open Session: MOTION by second by to reconvene into Open Session. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED at 8:34 p.m.

MOTION by Burchill, second by Radermacher, to adjourn. All ayes (5). MOTION CARRIED at 8:34 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