CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 3, 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.

ABSENT: Alderperson Dennis O’Connell was excused.

OTHERS PRESENT: Cathy Munkittrick, Devin Willi, Betty Caruso, Denny Darnold, Tom Beekman, Randy Hanson, Pam Brokaw, Jim Schreiber, Dean Knudson, Lori Bernard, Tom Zeuli, Dave Holt, Marion Shaw, Chris Kilber,

and others.

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

CONSENT AGENDA: Morrissette requested the Operators License applications be removed from the Consent Agenda. MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

MINUTES: Approve the regular Meeting minutes and Closed Session minutes of 2/20/08, and the Special Meeting minutes of 2/14 and 2/20/08.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

FUND	DESCRIPTION	PAYABLES	PAYROLL	TOTALS
100	General	127,056.35	149,738.56	276,794.91
410	Tax Increment Financing	113.82	0.00	113.82
450	Capital Projects	3,848.00	0.00	3,848.00
610	Sewer	31,716.57	10,382.98	42,099.55
620	Parking	1,151.26	923.30	2,074.56
630	Ambulance	7,354.01	25,285.80	32,639.81
860	Tax Agency	9,009,673.89	0.00	9,009,673.89
	TOTALS	$9,180,913.90	$186,330.64	$9,367,244.54

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the quarterly report and annual report of the Library Director, and the Community Access Board minutes of 2/26/08.

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

APPLICATIONS FOR OPERATORS LICENSES: Morrissette recused himself. MOTION by Radermacher, second by Burchill to approve the issuance of regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 3/04/08 through 6/30/09 to:

Trestan D. Birkel 492 B Prairie Lane Hudson, WI

Melissa M. Swanson 1820 Aspen Dr., Apt. 105 Hudson, WI

Jessica M. Turner 636 7^th Street North Hudson, WI

Troy E. Doughty 223 Maywood Street St. Paul, MN

Amy M. Green 1405 W. 7^th Street St. Paul, MN

Ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Lake Mallalieu Lower Power Dam maintenance issues: mayor Breault noted that the Finance Committee was working on the issue and recommended postponement until it can be discussed at an Intergovernmental meeting.

Approval for Finance Officer to attend GFOA conference in June: Mayor Breault stated that the Finance Committee recommended approval for the Finance Officer to attend the conference in Florida. MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to authorize Finance Officer Betty Caruso to attend the annual GFOA conference in Florida June 14-18, 2008, and to approve the $1,400 expense. It was noted that costs for the air travel and registration were included in the 2008 budget. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider and take action on amending Joint Library Building Advisory Referendum documents – Resolution No. 2-08: attorney Munkittrick advised that she had reviewed the Explanatory Statement and Effect of Vote for the Advisory Referendum on the Joint Public Library building. She noted that the wording for the ballot question could not be changed, but the Explanatory Statement could be revised, if Council chose to do so. Proposed wording changes were discussed.

Town of Hudson resident Marion Shaw voiced his concern for possible misinterpretation of the City’s Advisory Referendum ballot question and explanatory statement. He pointed out that the estimated annual average of $24 per $100,000 (of home assessed value) would be in addition to the current annual tax for the Library operations, and suggested this might mislead the voters.

Discussion was held regarding the purpose of the Explanatory Statement. Mayor Breault stated the desire to provide information to the voters, and recommended accepting the City Attorney’s suggestion to amend the wording in the Explanatory Statement.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 2-08. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to adopt the following Resolution, with the additional wording added to the end of the fifth paragraph in the Explanatory Statement and Effect of Vote: “The estimated annual average tax of $24 per $100,000 of assessed valuation is in addition to the current annual average tax of $18.72 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, for a total estimated annual average tax of $42.72 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.”, and to change the last sentence in the Joint Agreement Regarding Ownership and Operation of a New Library Building to “The Agreement would address the acquisition, financing, and ownership of the land and buildings used for joint library purposes at 700 First Street, Hudson, WI.”

RESOLUTION 2-08

Advisory Referendum Regarding Joint Public Library Building

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

Discussion included the request from Chris Kilber, 45 Heritage Boulevard, for time to look at the wording before it is adopted. Mayor Breault noted the need to proceed without delay. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

DOT presentation by Thomas Beekman re: feasibility of reopening the former Exit 2 off-ramp on I-94 (currently Crest View Dr./Dominion Dr.): denny Darnold introduced Tom Beekman from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. He stated he was the Northwest Regional Planning Chief of Operations for the West Central Regional Freeway System. Mr. Beekman provided a PowerPoint presentation on the possibility of reopening the freeway Exit 1B on I-94. His presentation included eight criteria that the DOT would take into consideration, if the City proceeded with the request to open the exit ramp.

Mr. Beekman noted that the design of the off-ramp no longer meets the standards for federal highway ramps, and a sub-standard design along with overlapping acceleration and deceleration lanes would cause concern. Lengthy discussion was held regarding traffic counts on various City roads, and alternative methods the City could use to help with traffic congestion problems.

Mr. Beekman also pointed out the existing federal highway and Wisconsin DOT criteria that must be met to allow additional access points to the Interstate. The possibility of constructing overpass roads to get people across the freeway was discussed. He noted the need to identify specific problems and acknowledged the complex road network in the City. He also advised that there was only a very slim chance that the DOT would allow the reopening of exit 1B, and the City would be responsible for the associated costs.

Burchill asked for suggestions for the Crest View Drive and Carmichael Road areas. Mr. Beekman explained the availability of resources and the possibility for a joint effort for further exploration of an overpass.

Public Works lead man Tom Zeuli requested additional information and suggestions for the traffic signals at the Exit 2 off ramp. He noted his concern for the traffic delays caused on Carmichael Road. Mr. Beekman shared information about the DOT office that could address Mr. Zeuli’s questions.

Discussion was held regarding the likelihood for possible closure of the 14^th Street on-ramp to I-94. Mr. Beekman noted that could be looked at if Council decided to proceed with the process of requesting the reopening of Exit 1B. Traffic study results, Comprehensive Plan changes, as well as future DOT projects were also noted.

appointment to public utility commission: Mayor Breault requested confirmation of his appointment of Tom Irwin to the Public Utility Commission. MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to confirm the appointment of Tom Irwin, 1321 Boulder Point Drive, to fill the remainder of the five-year term on the Public Utility Commission through September of 2012. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: O’Malley provided information regarding the possibility for downtown businesses to apply for zero-interest loans for façade improvements. Denny Darnold stated that an informational meeting would be held on March 20^th at 7:30 a.m. to provide more details.

administrator Devin Willi reminded that eligible voters could submit voter registration applications and address updates prior to the April 1^st election. He also noted that the Census survey was being updated, and an additional 1,700 housing units were added since the last census.

CLOSED SESSION pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats. to discuss 2008 Compensation for wastewater treatment plant superintendent: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher to convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats. to discuss 2008 compensation for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent. Roll call vote, all ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED at 8:12 p.m.

Reconvene into Open Session for possible action re: 2008 Compensation for wastewater treatment plant superintendent: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher to reconvene into Open Session. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED at 8:36 p.m.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to request the City Administrator to create a position description for a Wastewater Utility Director, and to develop a salary range for that position based on the current salaries of existing employees in Director positions. Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to adjourn. All ayes (5). MOTION CARRIED at 8:37 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