CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2009

Meeting called to order by Mayor Dean Knudson in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:04 p.m. Mayor Knudson lead those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

PRESENT: Mayor Knudson and Alderpersons Randy Morrissette, Pam Brokaw, Lori Bernard, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley and Alan Burchill.

OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Cathy Munkittrick, Betty Caruso, Chuck Schwartz, Jim Schreiber, Marty Jensen, Tom Zeuli, Randy Hanson, and others.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: None.

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

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 3/16/09 and Special Meeting Minutes of 3/20/09, and Closed Session Minutes of 3/16/09 and 3/20/09.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

FUND	DESCRIPTION	PAYABLES	PAYROLL	TOTALS
100	General	125,274.56	0.00	125,274.56
290	Police Donations	26.87	0.00	26.87
310	Debt Service	31.62	0.00	31.62
450	Capital Projects	90.00	0.00	90.00
610	Sewer	25,575.48	0.00	25,575.48
620	Parking	478.67	0.00	478.67
630	Ambulance	5,253.00	0.00	5,253.00
860	Tax Agency	24,177.01	0.00	24,177.01
	Totals	$180,907.21	0.00	$180,907.21

APPOINTMENT TO ST. CROIX ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION’S LOAN REVIEW COMMITTEE: Approve the Mayor’s appointment of Steve Wilcox to the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation’s Loan Review Committee.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS COMMISSIONS: Place on file the Community Access Board minutes of 3/24/09, and the Library Board 2008 Annual Report.

Roll call vote, all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Morrissette recused himself. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 4/02/09 to 6/30/10 to:

Kelsy R. Rea 1753 Sequoia Lane New Richmond, WI

And Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 4/02/09 to 6/30/11 to:

Nathan M. Dusek E2044 770^th Avenue Knapp, WI

Cyndee R. Hunchar 1506 Pinewood Lane, #4 Hudson, WI

Michael A,. Murphy 816 Jefferson Road New Richmond, WI

Brian E. Siedschlag Jr. 3036 20^th Avenue Wilson, WI

And issuance of a Temporary Operator’s License to be used 4/29 to 5/3/09 at the annual Hudson Hockey Association Pool Tournament to:

Steven E. Hanson 1400 Namekagon St., #213 Hudson, WI

Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids and consider awarding contract for Carmichael Road Mill and Overlay Project: Mayor Knudson provided background information and noted that federal stimulus money was applied for but not granted for the project. He noted that it would be possible to apply for the Phase 2 portion of stimulus money, but recommended moving ahead with the project as planned, due to the deadline, DOT changing criteria, and the fact that the current bid would expire before any funding would be awarded. Mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee recommended approval. Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz also shared concerns on waiting for decisions regarding the federal stimulus money.

motion by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to approve the bid from Monarch Paving in the amount of $887,177.60 for the Carmichael Road Mill and Overlay Project. Discussion included information that the total amount needed for the project would be over $1 million due to contingencies and engineering costs. It was also noted that the project would include an overlay thickness of 2½ inches south of Hanley Road, and 3½ inches for the portion north of Hanley Road. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review 2009 Capital Project Budget for possible funding with 2009 notes: mayor Knudson shared information regarding capital project items considered for funding by the sale of long-term notes. He stated there would be a significant increase in Public Works projects, and that $1 million to $1.3 million had been used in the past. He noted that the total for 2009 would be closer to $2 million, and reported that the TID tax base allowed for the increase. Mayor Knudson stated that the Public Works Department would need to determine where and by what method the street repair projects would be done. Discussion was held concerning possible locations that should be considered priority areas.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve (proceeding with the process for) the sale of long-term notes in the amount of $1,999,440 for 2009 Capital Projects. Mayor Knudson pointed out that the Finance Officer has indicated that notes of $2.05 million would be needed in order to achieve the correct amount of net proceeds. MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, to proceed with the process for the sale of $2.05 million long-term notes. Additional information was shared concerning the streets that may be eligible for funding money, and that the carpet replacement project was for the Municipal Court offices. It was noted that the Public Works Committee would present their recommendations to the Finance Committee and Council for final approval. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Update on utility billing procedures. finance Officer Betty Caruso provided a brief description of the changes being considered for the utility billing procedures. The Finance Committee recommended additional study be done; no action was currently needed by Council.

Review and approve revised job description and consider reclassification for Accounts Payable Clerk position: Mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee and staff recommended approval of the revised job description and reclassification for the position. An explanation was provided regarding the pay grade levels and steps representing years of service. Administrator Devin Willi will contact the labor attorney for options regarding the union position. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve the job description and reclassification for the Accountant/accounts Payable Clerk position, as recommended, (to Grade 14 level D, effective March 28, 2009). All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Treasurer’s reports: mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Officer’s 2008 final report was held over from the previous meeting. He requested questions or comments from Council; none were given.

Opposing proposed changes to prevailing wage law – Resolution No. 3-09: Mayor Knudson explained that this matter came to his attention through the League of Wisconsin Municipalities and the City Attorney. Information was shared that private developers for developments that later get turned over to the public would have to pay the prevailing wage rates, which would mean paying more for work being done by various trades people. Attorney Munkittrick shared additional information regarding the pending legislation and the appeals that are in process. Current prevailing wage rate information was also shared, noting that the current law only applies to projects over $234,000, and this threshold would be reduced to $2,000 if the Wisconsin Legislature does not remove the item from the budget bill. O’Malley expressed his support of the changes. Mayor Knudson reported that many municipalities are fighting the proposal, due to the increased costs to the municipalities. Information was shared regarding the process for notifying the bidders for projects, and contractor compliance.

motion by Morrissette, second by Burchill, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 3-09. Discussion was held concerning the ability to receive public comment. Ayes (4); Wyland and O’Malley voted No. MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Morrissette, second by Bernard to adopt the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 3-09

OPPOSING PROPOSED CHANGES TO WI PREVAILING WAGE LAWS

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

O’Malley stated his reasons for voting against the motion, noting his desire to have local residents be well paid. Bernard commented that she did not feel it was the job of the government to determine how much the private developers should pay their employees. Additional discussion was held on the pros and cons of the proposal. Ayes (5); O’Malley voted No, - MOTION CARRIED.

Consider amendment to Municipal Code, Chapter 145-17 A. and 145-17 C. re: Operator’s license requirements – ORDINANCE NO. 5-09: Morrissette recused himself. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance No. 5-09. Roll call vote taken, all ayes, (5), MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Wyland, second by Burchill to adopt the following:

ORDINANCE NO. 5-09

AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE CH. 145-17 A. and 145-17 C.

re: Operator’s license requirements

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

It was noted that the license renewal process is currently occurring, and it was suggested that the Compliance Officer should bring the amended ordinance with him during his inspections. It was also recommended that that a mailing be done to notify those affected of the changes. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider amending Municipal Code, Ch. 187-19, Sex Offender Residency – Ordinance No. 6-09: Mayor Knudson stated that he intended his proposal be sent to the Public Safety Committee. He stated he believed it was time to move forward on the issue, with narrowly tailored guidelines. It was noted that the Public Safety Committee would be reviewing the topic at their April 2^nd meeting.

Morrissette stated his desire to vote on the Mayor’s proposed ordinance. MOTION by Morrissette, second by Burchill, to vote on Ordinance No. 6-09. Discussion was held on voting or sending the proposal to the Public Safety Committee. MOTION WITHDRAWN by Morrissette; he agreed to have the proposed ordinance sent to the Public Safety Committee.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard, to refer the proposed Ordinance No. 6-09 to the Public Safety Committee. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

communications and recommendations of the mayor - Update on progress of the City: mayor Knudson provided an update on the progress of the City. He stated that at the beginning of his term, his priorities were safe neighborhoods and streets, reducing taxes, and preserving the small town atmosphere. He detailed the changes made in the Police Department and noted the significant drop in crime. He also called attention to Phase 3 improvements to Lakefront Park, the merger of the Public Works and Parks Departments, the Comprehensive Plan and land use planning that is currently under way, a preview of 2009 budget concerns, and the status of shared revenues from the State. Mayor Knudson noted the current hiring freeze and stated that it was necessary to keep it in place and review every position that becomes vacant. He outlined the grant applications currently in progress, including a JAG COPS grant and the Urban Forestry Grant. He shared additional information regarding the second phase of applications for stimulus money and requested input regarding long-range planning goals.

communications and items for future agendas: Brokaw noted that National Volunteer Week occurs April 19^th to 25^th. She expressed her thanks to all those who donate their time and talents for volunteer opportunities. A proclamation from the Mayor was requested.

Administrator Willi also shared his support for volunteerism and called attention to the situation in Fargo, ND where the community is working together during the flooding crisis. He also noted that the Spring Election would be held on Tuesday, April 7^th and the polls would be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

MOTION by Bernard, second by O’Malley to adjourn. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED at 8:32 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.

Dean Knudson, Mayor