CITY OF HUDSON COMMON
COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF
MARCH 11, 2008
Meeting called to order by Mayor Jack Breault in the Council
Chambers of City Hall at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor Breault and Alderpersons Randy
Morrissette, Paul Radermacher, Lee Wyland, Alan Burchill and
Scot O’Malley.
ABSENT: Alderperson Dennis O’Connell.
OTHERS
PRESENT: Catherine
Munkittrick,
Mayor
Breault reviewed the agenda items to be discussed.
DETERMINE FINANCIAL AND CAPITAL PLANNING OPTION WITH PROPOSED CLOSING OF TID #4: Sean Lentz of Ehlers & Associates stated that with the proposed closing of Tax Incremental District #4, the City had the opportunity to look at moving forward regarding the mill rate and property tax situations, as well as considering future projects. He stated that when a TIF District is closed, the municipality is able to take advantage of 50% of the closure in terms of its ability to raise the levy in the next year. The amount would be $95,163,050 for the City, assuming that TID #4 closed prior to May 15, 2008. He also stated there was the possibility of an additional 2% for growth in net new construction.
Additional information was shared about the City’s total Equalized Mill Rate during the past eight years. The possibility of keeping the mill rate at $4.18 (per $1,000 of assessed valuation) and increasing the debt levy by $720,000 was noted. Discussion was held on the financial options available with the TID closure. Various scenarios were shared regarding debt service and operating levy, total levy, and total mill rate numbers.
Mr. Lentz explained that the City’s borrowing capacity would not be challenged, because the City has been conservative in its issuance of debt. He stated that covering operations could be a problem in the future, because of the state-imposed operating levy limits. Information was shared regarding the concept of keeping the mill rate consistent instead of a drop followed by an increase.
Mr. Lentz again pointed out the difficulty to fund operating expenses for new facilities and additional staff, based on 2% operating levy increases due to the state levy limits, under all the scenarios presented. Discussion was held regarding the operational challenges, consideration of repairing and upgrading the current buildings, the need for a referendum, and how it would be structured.
Mayor Breault suggested establishing a committee to look at the options available for housing the various City Departments. He also requested input from the candidates about closure of TID #4. MOTION by Burchill, second by Radermacher, to approve notifying the State of the City’s intent to close TID #4. Discussion was held regarding any reasons for maintaining the TID. It was noted that all project costs would be paid this year, and the TID should be closed unless more projects were needed.
Mayoral candidate Dean Knudson shared his opinion about the closure of TID #4 and noted he would like the taxpayers to be able to see some benefit. The need for a resolution to be adopted at the March 17th meeting was noted. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.
REVIEW PROPOSED CAPITAL PROJECTS AND POSSIBLE FUTURE BONDING AND DEBT STRUCTURES ISSUES, AND OTHER ISSUES FOR 2008-09 CONSIDERATION: Mayor Breault expressed his desire to share some possible building issues and expenses for information and future Council consideration.
Finance Officer Betty Caruso presented a spreadsheet pertaining to the EMS Department enterprise funds, revenues, expenses, and changes in net assets, through December of 2006. Discussion was held concerning the growth in the service and the need to cover the call volume and add more personnel. Ms. Caruso explained the need for the City’s General Fund to cover an operating loss of $58,189.00. Mayor Breault suggested that changes be made so the other contracted municipalities are also responsible for covering operating losses.
EMS Chief Eric Christensen spoke regarding the needs and proposal for the Department. Discussion was held on the per capita rate charged to the participating municipalities. Call volume and the percentage of write-offs were noted. The possibility of contracting with municipalities for longer than one year was presented. Mayor Breault thanked the St. Croix E.M.S. Department for their service. Discussion was held on the possibility of the Library moving out of the Municipal Building, and the changes in various City buildings that could occur.
Ms. Caruso discussed the timing of closing TID #4 and requested direction for 2008 bond issues. O’Malley stated that much depended on whether the Library moved or not, and if a move was made it probably would not happen until mid 2009.
Fire Chief Jim Frye voiced concern for a satellite location and the ability to staff the Volunteer Fire Department. Mayor Breault suggested contacting employers in St. Croix Business Park for possible recruitment of volunteers. He noted that the City has land in the Business Park that could possibly be used for a Fire Department building.
Discussion was also held regarding the need for a Police Department building. Mayor Breault suggested that a committee could consider the options of purchasing existing buildings within the City. He suggested that Lee Wyland could chair that committee.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON POSSIBLE CREATION OF POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT UTILITY DIRECTOR AND ESTABLISH SALARY RANGE FOR THE POSITION: City Administrator Devin Willi provided information on the proposed position description and salary range for the Wastewater Treatment Utility Director position, with a salary range from $64,000 to $72,000 annually. It was noted that the salary range was in line with the salaries in other cities, as well as other Directors within the City. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to approve the Wastewater Treatment Utility Director job description as presented, and the salary range of $64,000 to $72,000 for that position. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.
CONVENE INTO CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO 19.85(1)(C) WIS. STATS. TO DISCUSS 2008 COMPENSATION FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT UTILITY DIRECTOR, AND EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR CHIEF OF POLICE: MOTION by Radermacher, second by Wyland, to convene into Closed Session pursuant to 19.85(1)(c) Wis. Stats. to discuss 2008 compensation for Wastewater Treatment Utility Director, and employment contract for Chief of Police. Roll call vote, all ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED – 8:21 p.m.
RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION FOR POSSIBLE ACTION RE: 2008 COMPENSATION FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT UTILITY DIRECTOR, AND EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR CHIEF OF POLICE: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to reconvene into Open Session. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED – 8:50 p.m.
MOTION by
O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve a salary of $66,000 for the
Wastewater Treatment Utility Director.
All ayes, (5), MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION by
Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the employment contract for the
Chief of Police and the salary at $78,000 per year. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION by Radermacher, second by
O’Malley to adjourn at 8:51 p.m. All
ayes (5). MOTION CARRIED.
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