city of hudson common council

meeting minutes of wednesday, february 21, 2007

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 Carah Koch.

ABSENT: Alderperson Lee Wyland was excused.

OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Denny Darnold, Betty Caruso, Paul Larson, Jim Eulberg, Jim Frye, Dennis Postler, Rich O’Connor, Brian Zeller, Barry Lundeen, Gordon Conard, and others.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Denny Darnold stated that the downtown guidelines would not be ready for the February 22^nd Plan Commission meeting, but another meeting for that item only would be scheduled when the members are available.

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

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes and Closed Session minutes of 2/5/07.

Certified Survey Map for 2.81-acre commercial lot within Ban Tara commercial development (SE quadrant of Carmichael & Stageline Road Ban Tara, LLC: Approve the Certified Survey Map for a 2.81-acre lot as proposed by Ban Tara, LLC, to be amended to include an additional 10-foot utility easement along the east lot line for a distance of 80 feet south of the right-of-way of Stageline Road.

Certified Survey Map creating two zero-lot line lots in a R-2, Two- Family Residential District, 2229-2231 Namekagon Street – Richard/Kathy Haydysch: Approve the Certified Survey Map as proposed by Richard and Kathy Haydysch to create two zero-lot line lots for 2229-2231 Namekagon Street, with the condition that the Haydyschs provide a copy of the draft party wall agreement for review by the City Attorney, and that the agreement be recorded with the St. Croix County Register of Deeds office.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

Fund	Description	payables	payroll	Totals
100	General	93,621.47	115,396.32	209,017.79
280	Park Donations	442.28	0.00	442.28
410	Tax Increment Financing	1,528.66	0.00	1,528.66
450	Capital Projects	50.00	0.00	50.00
610	Sewer	10,095.70	8,731.01	18,826.71
620	Parking Utility	288.19	763.66	1,051.85
630	Ambulance	9,856.03	7,969.85	17,825.88
860	Tax Agency	8,806,273.96	0.00	8,806,273.96
	Totals	$8,922,156.29	$132,860.84	$9,055,017.13

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Approve the issuance of regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 2/22/07 through 6/30/08 to:

Wesley R. Welch 2220 Hanley Road, #25 Hudson, WI

Jeffrey A. Amundson 503 Spruce Drive Hudson, WI

Robert J. Galbraith 2091 Minnehaha Ave E. St. Paul, MN

Kathryn M. Rugg 737 11^th Street Hudson, WI

Lisa D. Valentine 737 11^th St. S., #11 Hudson, WI

Paul B. Brozek 1810 Aspen Dr. #306 Hudson, WI

Sean-William P. Raleigh N8281 965^th Street River Falls, WI

Angelique R. Young N5636 County Road E River Falls, WI

and the issuance of a Temporary Operator’s License to be used at a Hudson Hockey Association event to be held 4/26 to 4/29/07, to:

Christopher W. Dyke 495 Bauer Road Hudson, WI

Request to increase Municipal Court costs from $23 to $28 on Municipal citations: Approve increasing the Municipal Court costs from $23 to $28 on Municipal citations.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the Quarterly Reports of the Water Utility Director and Building Inspector, the Public Utility Commission minutes of 1/13/07, and the Fire Department Annual Report for 2006.

Roll call vote, all ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Request for Room Tax funding for 2009 International Youth Hockey Tournament: Rich O’Connor spoke regarding the request for financial support to bring the 2009 Pee Wee International Friendship Hockey Tournament to Hudson. He stated he would be attending the tournament in New Zealand shortly to make a presentation for hosting the 2009 tournament in Hudson. The approximately 400 participating players would stay in local homes, and another 400 parents and coaches would rent hotel rooms. It was noted that approximately 50% of the hotel rooms in the area have been tentatively set aside. He stated the tournament could generate $800,000 of revenue in the community. The event also has the support of the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce, the Hudson Hockey Association, and the hockey arena management board.

MOTION by Radermacher, second by Morrissette, to approve $3,000 from the Room Tax fund to be used for the purchase of booklets, pins, jackets, and event presentation expenses. O’Malley questioned the expense for warm-up jackets. Additional discussion was held regarding the competition and its benefit for the community. Vote taken, ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Claim for illegal tax – Habitat for Humanity: motion by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to reimburse $1,007.65 to the Habitat for Humanity for an illegal tax payment. Discussion included information that the appropriate documents would be filed with St. Croix County and the Department of Revenue so the City could recover the portion of the illegal tax collected for the School District, County, and vocational school. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Disallowance of Claim of Wisconsin Tax Solutions – Resolution No. 4-07. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 4-07. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to adopt the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 4-07

DISALLOWANCE OF CLAIM OF WISCONSIN TAX SOLUTIONS

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

Assessor Mike Wallace and Attorney Catherine Munkittrick provided information and recommendations regarding the disallowance of the claim. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider request to expand the current number of liquor licenses available in the City: Mayor Breault reported on the receipt of a request for Council to consider amending the City ordinance to increase the number of liquor licenses that could be approved in the City. Attorney Munkittrick advised that the current City quota was four less than that allowed by the State. She advised that the Council should decide how many licenses they believed the City could support, as far as services were concerned.

O’Malley gave a brief history on the reason why the City’s quota was lower than the State quota. He also questioned the creation of districts. Additional discussion was held regarding the possibility of expanding the number of licenses and the possible language regarding a change in the quota number. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to authorize Attorney Munkittrick to research the idea of licensing districts and present viable alternatives at a future meeting. Discussion was also held regarding other possible options. Attorney Munkittrick reminded Council of the process needed for advertisement of the license availability, plus the waiting period. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider purchase and use of crossing flags at some intersections: Radermacher presented a sample of a crossing flag that could be used at some intersections. Discussion was shared regarding a longer flag handle and the possibility of having the word “stop” printed on both sides of the flag. Information regarding the use of flags in Bayport, MN was also provided. The recommendation from the Public Safety Committee was noted.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to approve the purchase of 100 pedestrian crossing flags at a cost of $30 each. Jim Eulberg recommended obtaining a sample of the flag before spending the money. Koch added there would be time between when the stop signs are removed and when a proto-type flag could be delivered; she recommended waiting on the purchase. MOTION WITHDRAWN by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, and to delay the purchase until an actual sample of the flag can be seen. Jim Eulberg was directed to obtain the sample flag.

Consider rescinding odd/even parking ordinance and changes to 24-hour parking regulations: Acting Police Chief Paul Larson reviewed the current odd-even parking ordinance. He stated that Sgt. Marty Jensen put in a lot of time reviewing the situation, issuing courtesy tickets, and ticketing vehicles. He also noted that many complaints were received, and he recommended changing the ordinance. Chief Larson recommended ticketing cars 24 hours after the snow ends, if they have not been moved, and then coordinating with the Public Works Department for plowing after the vehicle has been ticketed and towed. Fire Chief Jim Frye reported that in most cases, emergency vehicle travel is not impaired due to plowing or parking problems. Chief Larson stated that the current odd/even ordinance is only in effect for four hours, between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.; the rest of the time vehicles can be parked on either side of the streets.

Attorney Munkittrick advised that an ordinance change would be needed in order to rescind the current odd/even parking regulations. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to authorize the City Attorney to draft an ordinance that would rescind the current odd/even parking ordinance. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider Compliance Officer assistance with sign ordinance enforcement: radermacher stated that the Public Safety Committee recommended having Compliance Officer Dave Krupich permanently assist with sign enforcement during his regular travels throughout the City, and especially the sidewalk signs. Fire Chief Jim Frye addressed Mr. Krupich’s current duties and questioned how much time would be required for sign enforcement. He stated that the current fire inspection and compliance duties, as well as public education, are his primary responsibilities. Denny Darnold stated that Mr. Krupich would be third in line for sign enforcement, after himself and assistant David Gray. He also noted that an ordinance change would be necessary. He stated he would work on the matter with the City Attorney, for Council review at a future meeting.

2007 Concessions Agreement for Grandview Community Park: MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the 2007 Concessions Agreement with the Hudson Softball Association for use at Grandview Community Park. Jim Eulberg stated that there were no significant changes, but more enforcement and reporting would be needed. He also stated that the Softball Association was in agreement with the proposal. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

2007 Booster Days event – Lakefront Park: Mr. Eulberg explained that the Hudson Booster Club has requested permission to use Lakefront Park for their annual celebration beginning with setup on June 23^rd through takedown on July 5, 2007. He noted this was the first step in the process, and the Special Event Permit application would be filed.

Mayor Breault discussed the City’s portion of the cost of fireworks. He noted that the Boosters were requesting almost $2,000 more than the $7,800 given in the past. He recommended that the fireworks payment be funded from the Room Tax fund. Discussion regarding noise was held.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to authorize the payment of an additional $2,000 for the fireworks display during the Hudson Booster Days celebration. Additional discussion was held regarding the schedule of the bands and noise reduction solutions. It was noted that those concerns would be addressed again during review of the Special Event Permit application. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Request of Hudson Booster Club to erect batting cages at Field 5 in Grandview Park: Jim Eulberg reported that the Booster Club was requesting to erect batting cages in Field 5 at Grandview Park, and they would be paying for them. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to authorize the Hudson Booster Club to install batting cages at Field 5 in Grandview Park. Attorney Munkittrick noted that proof of insurance was needed. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

St. Croix County Parks – Pedestrian/Bicycle Trail: MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to appoint Park Board Chairman Don Gilbert to represent the City regarding the St. Croix County Parks Department Pedestrian/Bicycle Trail planning initiative. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Hudson High School Baseball Program fundraiser: Jim Eulberg stated that the High School Baseball program has requested permission to park a trailer for collection of aluminum cans at Grandview Park. He noted that the Park Board recommended a 90-day trial period with review.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to authorize the Hudson High School baseball program to place an aluminum can recycling trailer at Grandview Park, for a period of 90 days. Attorney Munkittrick noted that they would need to add the City of Hudson as an additional insured on their insurance policy. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Mutual Aid Agreement with Prescott Fire Department: Fire Chief Jim Frye explained the request for entering into a Mutual Aid Agreement with the Prescott Fire Department. He noted the agreement was exactly the same as all the other agreements with other Fire Departments in St. Croix County. Each Department would be responsible for their own liability and worker’s compensation for mutual aid, training, and public education. He noted that Hudson would be the third tier of response, and that it would be reciprocal.

MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to approve entering into a Mutual Aid Agreement with the Prescott Fire Department. Additional information included the fact that the Prescott Fire and EMS Association have already approved the agreement. Jim Eulberg stated there was the possibility of the Public Works, Water and Sewer Departments looking at mutual aid agreements as well. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: City Administrator Devin Willi noted that the speed monitoring sign was in place on Vine Street with positive results. Additional information was provided regarding the hours of use and the battery life.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to adjourn at 7:59 p.m. All ayes (5). 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