CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF MONDAY, MARCH 5, 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, Lee Wyland, and Scot O’Malley.

 

     ABSENT:  Alderpersons Paul Radermacher and Carah Koch were excused.

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Denny Darnold, Jim Eulberg, Linda Donaldson, Tom Schumacher, Jena Jarr, Mike O’Keefe, Randy Hanson, Brian Reilley, John Anthinson, Marc Putman, Dan Bauer, Roger Humphrey, Tony Tilleman, and others.

 

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

 

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

 

MINUTES:  Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 2/21/07.

 

Claims:  Approve the following claims for payment:

 

FUND

DESCRIPTION

  PAYABLES

PAYROLL

    TOTALS

100

General

271,228.91

152,347.25

423,576.16

230

Wisc DVL/RVL

45.00

0.00

45.00

280

Park Donations

45.00

0.00

45.00

410

Tax Increment Financing

123.00

0.00

123.00

450

Capital Projects

5,879.64

0.00

5,879.64

490

Biosolids

0.00

0.00

0.00

610

Sewer

17,494.23

8,350.93

25,845.16

620

Parking Utility

1,988.29

653.44

2,641.73

630

Ambulance

15,121.83

22,019.54

37,141.37

 

`                      Totals

$311,925.90

$183,371.16

$495,297.06

 

Applications for Operator’s Licenses:  Approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 3/06/07 through 6/30/08 to:

 

Debra K. Fox               1019 Sommers Street N.     Hudson, WI

Amber J. Swanson                1810 Aspen Dr. #301        Hudson, WI

Sarah Elizabeth Tanner     304 W. 9th St., Apt. 8           New Richmond, WI

 

 Application of Hudson Hockey Association for Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s license at their annual pool tournament event 4/26 to 4/29/07:  Approve the issuance of a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s license to the Hudson Hockey Association to be used at their annual pool tournament event 4/26 to 4/29/07 at the Hudson Sports and Civic Center, 1820 Hanley Road.

 

 Appointment of liquor license agent for Coop’s Pizza:  Approve the appointment of Craig N. Cooper as the liquor license agent for Coop Douce Enterprises LLC, d/b/a Coops Pizza, 816 Carmichael Road.

 

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS:  Place on file the Community Access Board minutes of 2/27/07.

 

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

 

Review of ordinances concerning sexual offender residency restrictions - Mike O’Keefe and Gina Jarr:  ms. Gina Jarr, Assistant Regional Chief for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, provided an update on the State-wide Legislative Committee and noted they were not yet ready to support or not support the sexual offender ordinances.  Ms. Jarr noted that three initial Committee recommendations included the creation of child safety zones that would prohibit sex offenders (who have committed serious crimes against children) from going places where children are likely to be.  She stated that State rules already bar sex offenders from contact with anyone under the age of 18.  This provision would map out where each offender could and could not be. 

 

Ms. Jarr explained that the second recommendation involved stiffer registration requirements that would require most sex offenders to register and provide a new photograph in person every six months, rather than annually by mail.  The offender’s public website listing would also include risk assessment and a description of any distinguishing marks. 

 

Ms. Jarr stated that the third recommendation spelled out how the State would define high risk sex offenders, and possibly using the designation to trigger mandatory community notification.  She noted that they also recommended new links directing the Department of Corrections to add links to the Sex Offender website providing information on how to identify, prevent, and report suspected sex crimes.

 

Ms. Jarr noted that the panel approved the proposals and would look closer at the ordinance issues at their meeting in March.  Questions were raised about the implementation of the child-safe zones and about a resident currently staying at the Royal Inn.  Morrissette noted that the location is near school bus stops and the bowling alley.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell to cease discussion of a sexual offender ordinance.

 

Mike O’Keefe pointed out that 10 persons are currently on probation or parole in the City of Hudson and none have reoffended.  He noted they are following the rules and the laws.  Morrissette stated his desire to move forward with the adoption of an ordinance, once the full Council was present.  He also questioned parliamentary procedure regarding a motion to table an item.  Attorney Munkittrick stated that a motion to table would take precedence over a motion to cease discussion.  Mayor Breault asked if anyone would second a motion to table the issue; none were given.

 

Discussion was held regarding the status of sexual offender ordinances that are in place or in progress in other municipalities.  Mayor Breault stated he would like to see the results from the Committee and the State before taking any further action. Vote taken: Ayes (3); 1 No; MOTION CARRIED. 

 

Resolution No. 5-07, authorizing the issuance and sale of $2,720,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2007A:  Brian Reilley of Ehlers & Associates provided the bid tabulation results for the sale of the $2,720,000 promissory notes.  He stated there was quite a bit of interest and 13 bids were received.  He noted the interest rates ranged from 3.7357% to 4.1886%.  Mr. Reilley also explained that the total costs would be $27,000 less than expected, and that amount could be used to fund projects.  The low bidder was UMB Bank NA, Kansas City, MO and the issue would be financed over a ten-year time period.  He also pointed out the Moody’s Investors Service bond rating of A1 for the City of Hudson, which was very good.

 

Mr. Reilley reviewed that the purpose of the notes was to finance the City’s 2007 Capital Projects and equipment purchases, as well as Parks, Public Works, and street improvements.  He noted that there would also be refunding and extension of a balloon maturity related to GO promissory notes of 2000, as well as the City’s debt levy portion of the 2000 issue being extended, while the TID #4 portion is retired with TID cash on hand.

 

     MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 5-07.  All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to adopt the following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 5-07

AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $2,720,000

GENERAL OBLIGATION PROMISSORY NOTES, SERIES 2007A

 

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

Mayor Breault praised everyone involved with helping the City to obtain the A1 rating from Moody’s Investors Service.  All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

   

Consider participating in March 15th round table discussion with Barsness

Consulting Services re: possible future uses for St. Croix County Government Center property:  Mayor Breault discussed participation in a March 15th meeting concerning the possible future uses for St. Croix County Government Center property.  He noted that it could cost $1,500,000 to purchase and use land at that location;  he recommended using land available in the St. Croix Business Park, which would cost much less.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to authorize Mayor Breault, City Administrator, Council members, Denny Darnold, and other City Staff to attend the March 15th round table discussion with Barsness Consulting Services.  Discussion included the possibility of making a presentation on how the City would use the land.   All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Outdoor Recreation Aids for Prospect Park Project – Resolution 6-07:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 6-07.  All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to adopt the following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 6-07

OUTDOOR RECREATION AIDS – PROSPECT PARK PROJECT

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

Discussion included information that the resolution would allow reimbursement claims to be submitted for the purchase of the Prospect Park property that took place earlier, and was not for a new project.  All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Information re: increasing number of liquor licenses that could be allowed in the City – Ordinance No. 3-07:  attorney Munkittrick presented information regarding Council’s request to present options for ordinance changes to increase the liquor license quota.  She also addressed amendments establishing additional criteria for considering liquor license applications and instituting a continuation of business requirement.  Mayor Breault expressed his desire to have the full Council vote on the topic.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to conduct a first reading on Ordinance No. 3-07.  Mayor Breault stated he would be seeking Council input regarding the quota number and any other liquor license concerns.  All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider revisions to City’s Banner Policy – Resolution No. 7-07:  Mayor Breault noted that a memo from Attorney Munkittrick was provided at the meeting, and he recommended that time be given to the Council members to review that information.  He also reported that Radermacher had recommended that no banners be allowed when the holiday decorations are in place from November 15th through January 15th.  MOTION by Wyland, second by O’Malley, to hold the item over to the next Council meeting.  All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider extension of moratorium on downtown development – Ordinance No.             2-07:  Community Development Director Denny Darnold gave an update on the progress of the Plan Commission regarding the moratorium on downtown development.  He stated that they have been reviewing issues and held a workshop on January 18, 2007.  He also reported that Putman Planning & Design was retained to assist in reviewing issues and defining possible changes.  It was noted that the end of the 120-day moratorium was approaching, and the Commission had not yet formalized their recommendations.  He recommended an extension of the moratorium, but that it could exclude very small projects.

 

     Mayor Breault addressed the importance of the assignment in order to protect the lakefront and work with developers.  He noted that more time was needed.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance No. 2-07.  All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to adopt the following:

 

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2-07

Extending the downtown building/uses moratorium described in Ord. No. 16-06

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

Discussion included the concern for extending the moratorium, as well as the possibility of a new tenant being interested in the River City Center location.  Additional discussion was held concerning the amount of time needed to finalize the project.  All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Certified survey map for four commercial lots north of Stageline Road and east of STH 35 – DaMe Properties:  Denny Darnold stated that the Plan Commission recommended approval of the certified survey map for four commercial lots north of Stageline Road and east of STH 35, as proposed by DaMe Properties.  He verbalized the conditions and provisions listed on the issue sheet.  Mr. Darnold also noted that a revised CSM was presented at the Council meeting.  It was also reported that the Cinema was interested in moving forward with their plans, and approval of the CSM would allow that to happen.

 

Attorney Tom Schumacher of Bakke-Norman noted that a Development Agreement would be created.  He also pointed out that no one else in the Town of Hudson would be allowed to hook on to that roadway.  He stated that access to the property was discussed with the Plan Commission, as well as jurisdictional issues.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to approve the revised Certified Survey Map as proposed by DaMe Properties for four commercial lots north of Stageline Road and east of STH 35, with the requirement that the Developer’s Agreement contain a disclosure to buyers that the lots are served by a private road, that a Maintenance Agreement is prepared and recorded, and with the following conditions:

 

·         The roadway and intersection and utility plans proposed must be designed to meet City standards, and that plans and specifications to be approved by the City Engineer and Water Utility Director.

·         Ten (10) foot utility and drainage easements to be provided along the perimeter of each lot.

·         The City should take over the jurisdictional maintenance of the roadway areas on the south side of the DaMe Properties’ property, including the intersection of Old Highway 35 and Stageline Road, and the area of Stageline Road from the east side of the I-94 bridge to the interchange of Stageline road and Old Highway 35.

·         A development agreement be required.

 

All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MAYOR:  Mayor Breault requested that a Special Council meeting be scheduled to introduce the new Police Chief and learn of his plans, background, and also to address proposed staff changes.

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:   Administrator Willi stated he would be meeting with the Mayor of Dunedin when he visits New Zealand later this month.

 

MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to adjourn at 8:02 p.m.  All ayes (4).  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