CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 7, 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.

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Cathy Munkittrick, Devin Willi, Betty Caruso, Denny Darnold, Marty Jensen, Chuck Schwartz, Debbi and Mike Laatsch, Eric Atkinson, Pam Brokaw, John Potter, Laura Gray, Dusty O’Connell, Larry Wendlandt, Chris Johnson, Linda Donaldson, Dean Knudson, Dave Knoke, Jim Frye, and others.

 

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT:  Larry Wendlandt spoke on behalf of the residents in the Croixview apartment complex.  He stated their concerns for safety and visibility for the parking lot at 1016 Second Street with access to Second Street.  He noted that the grade is steep and hazardous and the speed of traffic (on Second Street) is also a problem.   Mr. Wendandt requested Council to consider options to correct the problems.

 

Mayor Breault stated he would have the Public Safety and Public Works committees add the topic to their agendas.

 

Laura Gray voiced concern for vehicles exceeding the speed limit on Second Street.  She stated she would be contacting the WI DOT, and requested the Police Department to monitor the area, especially in the morning.  She also asked the Police Chief to offer any suggestions that might help.

 

Fire Chief Jim Frye invited everyone to join the Fire Department at their Pancake Breakfast fund-raiser on Sunday, April 13th from 7:30 a.m. until Noon at the Public Safety Building. 

 

Mayor Breault presented appreciation plaques to Paul Radermacher, Alderperson in District 3, and Dennis O’Connell, Alderperson in District 2.  He noted their involvement in the Common Council, and various committees, and thanked them for their efforts.  The Alderpersons responded and shared their thanks for the opportunity to serve and for the assistance of past and present Council members, City Attorney, and City Staff.  

 

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

 

MINUTES:  Approve the regular Meeting minutes of 3/17/08 and the Special Meeting minutes of 3/25/08.

 

Claims:  Approve the following claims for payment:

 

 

FUND

DESCRIPTION

Payables

Payroll

TOTALS

100

General

261,458.85

256,684.30

518,143.15

410

Tax Increment Financing

3,491.04

0.00

3,491.04

450

Capital Projects

880.00

0.00

880.00

490

Biosolids

0.00

0.00

0.00

610

Sewer

35,615.91

21,026.56

56,642.47

620

Parking

1,570.62

1,749.67

3,320.29

630

Ambulance

23,699.17

32,527.51

56,226.68

 

Totals

$326,715.59

$311,988.04

$638,703.63

 

 

Update to Employee Handbook, Chapter 10, Travel – Meetings: Approve the update to Chapter 10 of the City Employee Handbook re: travel and meetings, as submitted.

 

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS:  Place on file the

quarterly report of the Parks Department, and the Community Access Board

minutes of 3/25/08.

 

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

 

     APPLICATIONS FOR OPERATORS LICENSES:   Morrissette recused himself. MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley to approve the issuance of a regular Operator’s License for the period for the period 4/08/08 through 6/30/09 to:

 

Katie K. Cook        1801 Industrial St. #5     Hudson, WI

Richard J. Johnson   1601 Heggen St. #210       Hudson, WI

Andrea L. King       614˝ 4th Street            Hudson, WI

Tiffany A. Norton    615 9th Ave. S.            South St. Paul, MN

 

And the issuance of a Temporary Operators license to be used April 23 to 27, 2008 at the Hudson Hockey Association pool tournament to:

 

     Christopher W. Dyke        495 Bauer Road             Hudson, WI

 

And the issuance of a Temporary Operators license to be used July 3 to July 5, 2008 for the Booster Days event in Lakefront Park to:

 

     James A. Londo             565 County Rd. UU          Hudson, WI

    

     All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.  

 

Application of Hudson Hockey Association for Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer 4/23 to 4/27/08 at a Pool Tournament, 1820 Hanley Road, Hudson, WI:  motion by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve issuance of a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer April 23 to 27, 2008 at a pool tournament at 1820 Hanley Road.  Mayor Breault noted that the Finance Committee recommended approval.  Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

 

 

Use of Contingency Funds to purchase replacement Opticom controllers:  motion by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve the use of $4,950 from the Contingency Fund to purchase three replacement Opticom traffic system controllers, as recommended by the Finance Officer and Finance Committee.  Discussion included information that the Opticoms are used by the Police, Fire and ambulance departments to control the traffic signals, and the purchase would include some units for inventory.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED. 

 

No Parking issues on St. Croix Street near 3rd Street intersection:  radermacher stated that the Public Safety Committee recommended removing the no parking signs for the summer, and extending the yellow paint on the curb.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve removal of the “No Parking” signs on St. Croix Street near Third Street, extend the yellow paint on the curb, and erect temporary No Parking signs next winter, as recommended by the Public Safety Committee.  Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Approve Locust Street classic car shows:  radermacher reported that the Public Safety Committee recommended approval of the car show events.

Mr. David Knoke commented that the classic car shows have not presented any problems, and this would be the fourth year of the summer shows.  He stated there were approximately 40 to 50 cars that participate.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the Locust Street car shows May through September on the second Friday of each month.  Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Approval for All Hazards Mitigation Plan – Resolution No. 4-08:  motion by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 4-08.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to adopt the following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 4-08

APPROVING AN ALL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN

FOR THE CITY OF HUDSON, WISCONSIN

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office )

 

     It was noted that adoption of the resolution would qualify the City for grant funds.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Application of Big Blues Festival LLC for Special Event Permit for event in Lakefront Park:  chris Johnson, representing the Deep Blues Festival LLC, shared information about the history of the event.  He noted that he has a lease with the Washington County fairgrounds, but was still attempting to obtain a Conditional Use Permit that was needed.  He was requesting approval from the Council for a ticketed event in Lakefront Park July 18th to July 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. as a backup location.  He also requested consideration as a non-ticketed event.

 

Attorney Catherine Munkittrick noted that City ordinances prohibit ticketed events, as the parks should be free and open to the public.  Discussion was held regarding ticketed events in the park.  Information was shared about another application for use of Lakefront Park for the same date.

 

Mr. Johnson explained further details of the Blues Festival and his request for use of Lakefront Park.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell to maintain the requirements in the existing ordinance and not provide a waiver for a ticketed event.   Additional discussion was held regarding approaches for ticketed and non-ticketed events, as well as opinions about purchasing tickets to get into City parks.  Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.   Mr. Johnson requested clarification regarding a refund of his Special Event Permit review deposit and Park user fees.

 

Request of Phipps Center for the Arts to use Lakefront Park on Saturday, July 19, 2008 for Phipps 25th Anniversary Event, 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.   Phipps Center Executive Director John Potter shared information regarding the 25th anniversary event for the Phipps Center for the Arts to be held Saturday, July 19, 2008.  He requested use of Lakefront Park for a community-built pageant and celebration.  He noted the event would be free and open to the public and they expect approximately 300 persons to attend.  Additional information was shared regarding the types of activities that would be held in conjunction with the event.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to authorize the Phipps Center for the Arts to use Lakefront Park on Saturday, July 19, 2008 for their 25th anniversary event, contingent on review and approval from the Park Board, Public Works and Public Safety committees, and St. Croix E.M.S.  Mr. Potter expressed his desire to work with the Parks Department.  Discussion was held regarding fees;  it was agreed that the usual procedures and fee schedule would be followed.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED. 

 

Proposal from West Wisconsin Land Trust, Inc:  Burchill shared information regarding the offer from West Wisconsin Land Trust, Inc. to acquire some County owned property which could then be turned over to the City for a park or other public use.  Burchill requested that an Ad Hoc Committee be formed to further explore the opportunity.  Denny Darnold offered to be a member of the committee.  Mayor Breault suggested that Park Board members also be included, and that this item be on a future Council agenda for the new Mayor and Council to consider.

 

Consider removal of 10-minute parking spaces on 2nd Street at Commercial and in the Harbor parking lot:  O’Malley stated that he requested the agenda item of consideration of removing the 10-minute parking spaces for downtown establishments that are no longer in business.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette to approve removal of the 10-minute parking spaces on Second Street at Commercial Street, and in the Harbor parking lot, and to install regular parking meters in those locations.  Discussion included whether Public Safety Committee consideration was needed;  Attorney Munkittrick advised that Council could decide whether committee review was needed.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

 

 

 

     COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MAYOR:  mayor Breault announced that this was his last Council meeting, and he expressed thanks to the Council members, City Attorney, and City Staff.  He stated that he appreciated the effort that everyone gives, and complimented the outstanding work performed and decision-making skills involved.  He was given a standing ovation of applause.

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:   Wyland announced that a tour of the public safety facilities would be held on Thursday, April 10th at 6:00 p.m., and the Ad Hoc Committee would continue to review the Departmental issues.

 

Catherine Munkittrick expressed her thanks and appreciation for working with Mayor Breault.

 

Administrator Devin Willi also thanked Mayor Breault for his service and noted that he would be missed.

 

MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to adjourn.  All ayes (6).  MOTION CARRIED at 7:45 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