CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010

 

                                          

 

Meeting called to order by Mayor Dean Knudson in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:03 p.m.  Mayor Knudson led 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.

 

Absent:  None.

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Denny Darnold, Betty Caruso, Tom Zeuli, Randy Hanson, Mary Yacoub, Marty Jensen, Jim Frye, Kevin Hartman, Chuck Schwartz, Kay Timm, Ryan Timm, James Tousignant, Henry Chan, Craig Pravettoni, Lon Feia, Aaron Sundeen, Bruce and Anne Chesin, Shelly Erck, Todd Zwiefelhofer, Brian Young, Jody Bakken, and others.

    

  Comments and suggestions from citizens present:  Dick Hagen, 522 Spruce Drive, announced that Optimists Club is forming a new group in Hudson.  He explained they are a service organization and are interested in helping children.  He noted some of their activities include an essay contest, an oratorical contest, junior golf tournament, teaching bike safety, respect for the law, etc.  They are holding their first meeting on April 20, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Citizen’s State Bank meeting room at 375 Stageline Road, and he welcomed anyone who was interested to attend.

 

Mayor Knudson presented Pam Brokaw with a plaque of appreciation for her years as Alderperson in District Two and as a member of numerous committees from April 15, 2008 to April 19, 2010.  He thanked her for her service.

 

Consent agenda:  The Claims, the Operator’s License application for Daniel Claflin, and the monthly administrative fee for Cable TV were removed from the Consent Agenda.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by Wyland to approve the following Consent Agenda items: 

 

     MINUTES:  To approve the regular and Closed Session minutes of the March 29, 2010 meeting.

 

     Applications for Operator’s Licenses:  Approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 04/20/10 to 6/30/11 to:

 

Brittny F. Dunlop          708 Second Street               Hudson, WI

Paige L. Hanson            1753 County Rd. 2               Hammond, WI

Resa M. Kuebker            1820 Aspen Drive #204           Hudson, WI

Patricia L. Malone         1601 Hunter Hill Road           Hudson, WI

Sarah L. Stolt             1127 Fourth Street              Hudson, WI

James F. Tousignant        5525 Louisiana Ave. N.          Crystal, MN    

    

     Application of Hudson Softball Association, LLC for renewal of six-month Class “B” beer license in the Concession Building at              Grandview Park, 1100 Carmichael Road:  Approve the renewal and issuance of a six-month Class “B” beer license to the Hudson Softball Association, LLC for the period 5/1/10 to 10/31/10, in the Concession Building at Grandview Park, 1100 Carmichael Road.

 

Concessions Agreement with Hudson Softball Association for      Grandview Park:  Approve the 2010 Grandview Park Concessions Agreement with the Hudson Softball Association, as presented.

 

Consider the request for Stipe’s Carnival Show, May 6-9, 2010 at Plaza 94:  Approve the Stipe’s Shows Carnival to be held May 6 to 9, 2010 in Plaza 94, contingent on approval by the property owner and coordination with the garden center.

   

     Request for Willow River Super Fun Walk and Run on Saturday, May 1, 2010:  Approve the Willow River Super Fun Walk and Run event to be held Saturday, May 1, 2010, beginning and ending at the 5th and Oak Street playground.

  

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, and COMMISSIONS:  Place on file the reports of the Building Inspector and Fire Chief, the St. Croix E.M.S. Commission minutes of 4/8/10, and the Public Utility Commission minutes of 4/13/10.

 

Roll call vote taken.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Claims:  The Claims agenda item was postponed; it will be an agenda item at the April 20, 2010 meeting.

 

  Application for Operator’s License:  Morrissette recused himself.  MOTION by Bernard, second by Burchill to approve the Application for an operator’s license from Daniel Claflin, 409 Sommers Street North, for the period April 20, 2010 to June 30, 2011.  All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Application of Timm La Dolce Vita LLC for “Class C” wine license d/b/a Toscano at 520 Second Street:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill to approve a “Class C” wine license for Timm La Dolce Vita LLC, doing business as Toscano at 520 Second Street, contingent on successful completion of the building and fire inspections.  Mayor Knudson noted that the applicants understand that at least 50% of the revenue must come from the restaurant food.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review applications submitted for Reserve “Class B” liquor and Class “B”      Beer license:  Mayor Knudson announced the applicants for the reserve “Class B” and Class “B” beer license that was made available include:  Shanghai Hudson, LLC d/b/a Shanghai Bistro, 2420 Gateway Court, and Aqua Pearl LLC d/b/a Aqua Pearl, 109 Second Street.  He stated the options were to approve a license to one applicant, or neither applicant, but not to both.  He also noted the Finance Committee recommended approval of the license to Shanghai Hudson, LLC, and that both applicants were available to make a presentation if Council desired. 

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Brokaw to approve the Reserve “Class B” liquor and Class “B” beer license to Shanghai Hudson, LLC doing business as Shanghai Bistro at 2420 Gateway Ct.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Mayor Knudson reviewed the status of available licenses in the City; he noted when Shanghai Hudson, LLC turns in their current wine and beer licenses, these licenses would be the only ones available that could be considered for issuance to any applicants.

 

Lease Agreement for Concessions in Lakefront Park:  Mayor Knudson stated the Park Board and Finance Committee recommended approval of the Concessions Agreement for Lakefront Park to Chicago Dogs.  MOTION by Burchill, second by O’Malley to approve a one year contract with Chi-Dogs, Inc. doing business as Chicago Dogs to operate concession from the Lakefront Bathhouse, and to include the first right of refusal in the Concessions Agreement.  Bruce Chesin presented a brief description of their business, services, and menu.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Estimated material costs for refurbishing Grandview Park dugouts:  Mayor Knudson stated the Finance Committee recommended approval of the dugout improvements at Grandview Park.  Labor would be provided by Work Force laborers.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to approve the dugout improvements at Grandview Park, with the money to come from the Concessions account.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED. 

 

 Review costs for purchasing and installation of security lights at Grandview Park parking lot:  Mayor Knudson stated the Finance Committee recommended approval for purchasing and installation of security lights at the Grandview Park parking lot.  He stated the money for the purchase was included in the 2010 budget.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by Wyland to approve the purchase of two low energy induction security lights at $2,608.00 from Warner Electric, and installation of $3,161.00 by J&L Electric for a total cost of $5,769, for the Grandview Park parking lot project.  Discussion included a recommendation by Wyland to make sure the operational costs were covered by rental payments.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review costs for upgrades to Grandview Park irrigation system:  Mayor Knudson stated the Finance Committee had a split vote on the request for upgrades to the Grandview Park irrigation system.  They also heard the Finance Officer’s recommendation for funding from the long term capital improvement line item for Grandview Park Infield Improvements of $5,000, with the understanding this would be the only infield project for this year.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by Burchill to accept Advance Irrigation’s bid of $4,300 for the irrigation improvements at Grandview Park with funding source recommended by the Finance Officer.  Information about the placement of the system was provided by Tom Zeuli, Director of Parks and Public Works. Ayes (5); Bernard voted No. MOTION CARRIED.

  

 

Request for refund of sewer/water fees for Comfort Suites Project:  Mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee did not have a chance to consider the request for a refund of the sewer/water fees as requested by Hotels of Hudson LLC for the Comfort Suites project.  He stated his recommendation for granting a pro-rata refund, the difference between the amount for the originally proposed building and the revised building proposal.

 

Denny Darnold provided background information about the Comfort Suites hotel project.  He stated the project was approved by the Common Council on October 6, 2008 and the building permit was issued on December 10, 2008.  Hudson Hotels LLC paid a sewer connection fee of $70,861 for a 93-unit project.  Hudson Hotels is now attempting to modify their plan from a three-story to a two-story facility, and reducing the number of units from 93 to 66.  He noted it was an unusual request and the City has not had a similar case in thirty years. 

 

Hudson Hotels LLC was requesting a refund of $70,861.50, and upon approval of the project by their lender, they would repay the sewer connection fee based on the revised plans.  Reducing the scope of the project by 27 units would reduce the sewer connection fee by $19,575.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill to postpone action until the banker can receive more detailed information on this situation.

 

Aaron Sundeen provided additional information about the history of their plan and the changes they are proposing.  Discussion was held.  MOTION RESCINDED by O’Malley, and Burchill.

 

  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to return $19,575 (to Hudson Hotels LLC) for sewer/water connection fees, pro-rated by the new number of rooms proposed for the hotel project.  Additional discussion was held regarding the need to file an amendment to the plans. Building Inspector David Gray requested that Council also have a chance to consider approval of any changes.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider a monthly administrative fee to be paid by Cable TV fund:  The Finance Committee recommended postponing until a future meeting the consideration of a monthly administrative fee to be paid by the Cable TV fund.

 

Police Dept. request to purchase a locking rotary file cabinet:  Mayor Knudson stated the Finance Committee did not discuss the request to purchase a locking rotary file cabinet for the Police Department.  Police Chief Marty Jensen explained the request. He stated the cost was $2,785.67, which included delivery and installation.  He also noted the funds would come from their Furniture Budget.  The manufacturer was the same as the one for their new evidence lockers, and he felt it was a secure system. 

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to approve the purchase of a locking rotary file cabinet for $2,785, from Haldeman-Homme Inc.  It was noted that Council approval for the purchase was needed, as the Capital Outlay budget has not yet been approved.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review/approve plans and specifications and authorize advertising for bids for Second and Vine Street Intersection Project:  Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz recommended approving the plans and specifications for the Second and Vine Street Intersection Project and authorizing the advertisement for bids.  He shared the estimated base project costs and included additional information about Alternates A and A & B.

 

Additional information was shared regarding the benefits of including the alternate options. Discussion was held regarding including in the project the sidewalk on the north side of Vine Street.  If authorized to proceed, the bids could be opened May 27th, and could be considered by Council in June.  Concerns about traffic delays, the schedule of the project, the possibility of shortening the construction schedule, and cost of the project and budgeting were shared.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to approve the plans and authorize the advertisement of bids for the proposed 2nd Street and Vine Street Improvement Project, with all three bid options.

 

  Additional information was shared regarding other possibilities for repairing the intersection, and possible timetables for the project.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Update on Police Department Remodeling Project and moving schedule:  Mayor Knudson announced that some change orders were needed on the Police Department remodeling project; he stated they were still on budget and explained that some of the funds were re-allocated to the EMS remodeling project. 

 

Police Chief Marty Jensen provided an update on the status of the remodeling project.  He stated he intends to shut down the current location on Friday, April 23rd at 1:00 p.m. and not re-open until Tuesday, April 27th. Additional information was shared about the details of the move.  If an officer is needed, people should call 911 for emergencies, or 715-386-4701 for non-emergencies.  The phone number would also be posted in the Police Department and on the City’s website.

 

Finance Officer’s report:  It was noted that at the Finance Committee meeting, Ms. Caruso provided a financial update on the Police Department project.

 

Consider approval of 2010 Deer Management Program with River Valley Deer Management:  Mayor Knudson stated he was in favor of adopting the Deer Management Program with River Valley Deer Management.  Information was shared about forming and appointing a sub-committee and their duties.  Alderperson Morrissette requested to be appointed to that committee.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to approve the Deer Management contract for this year (2010 pilot program) on land to be designated by the Common Council.

 

 City Attorney Munkittrick pointed out some changes that were needed in the contract, including the need for a provision for a liability insurance policy and certificate.  Morrissette again requested to be included on the Ad Hoc Committee and that he and some of his neighbors were against the program.  Ayes (5), Morrissette voted No. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Weitkamp Park pavilion design:  Mayor Knudson stated the Park Board recommended approval of Elliot Architect’s floor plan and structural design for the Weitkamp Park Pavilion.  Tom Zeuli noted the design and floor plan met the criteria established by the Park Board, and noted this design could also be used for future restrooms in other parks.  The money would come from the Park Impact fees that were collected during the construction of hundreds of homes in that neighborhood.  The approximate cost would be $300,000 or less.  Discussion was held regarding the use of natural stone or cultured stone; they would use the same color either way.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley to approve the design plans for Weitkamp Park Pavilion.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.  

 

 Consider rezoning parcels of property for consistency with land uses and zoning designations in the City Comprehensive Plan – Ordinance No. 3-10:  Denny Darnold stated a public hearing was held, and explained the proposal from the Plan Commission for future expansion of the Central Business District.  He also noted that the property owners for 502 Third Street, 510 Third Street, and 310 Locust Street were not opposed to the rezoning. He also pointed out it is not required to make changes in the zoning at this time.  He stated he was not opposed to withholding the three residential properties north of Locust Street from consideration and stated if that was done, those property owners would need to initiate the rezoning process in the future.

 

Mr. Darnold stated the vast majority of the parcels being proposed for rezoning were being changed from single family classification to public zoning classification, which is consistent with the use of the property.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley to adopt the following:

ORDINANCE NO. 3-10

REZONING TERRITORY IN THE CITY OF HUDSON

(Copy on file in the Clerk’s office and attached)

 

MOTION AMENDED to remove from the ordinance the rezoning for 313 Locust Street, 614 Third Street and 620 Third Street (as listed on the property description sheet).  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.           

 

Consider Ordinance No. 5-10 to allow bow hunting in the City within a Deer Control Program:  It was noted that the first reading of Ordinance 5-10 was held on 3/29/10. A copy of the revised Ordinance was presented at the meeting.  Mayor Knudson explained that feeding of deer would not be allowed, except with written approval by the Common Council, as part of a Deer Control Program.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to adopt the following:

Ordinance No. 5-10

Amend Ch. 246-3, 99-6 and 181-5.F.

Re: Deer Control Program

             (Copy on file in the Clerk’s office and attached.)

 

Morrissette requested that the three parks in District One not be included in the hunt area: Birkmose Park, Anderson Park, and Webster Park.  Mayor Knudson pointed out that the City parks don’t belong to the citizens in District One; they belong to all City residents.  Discussion was held regarding amending the original motion to include those locations.  O’Malley stated he was not in agreement with amending the motion, and that Council should decide on the hunting areas.  Ayes (5), Morrissette voted No. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Update on Projects:  Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz provided an update on projects including the Coulee Road Mill and overlay project.  He stated Monarch Paving will begin the project in late May when the weather is 60-70 degrees on a consistent basis, and with warmer overnight temperatures; he and anticipated it will take 5-6 days. The need for manhole adjustments on 11th Street was noted and a meeting will be held with Zappa Brothers and the contractor of the project. 

 

Information was shared regarding the surfacing problems in the Bieneman Farms and Industrial Park areas.  Additional information and discussion was held; the need for contractors to be held accountable was noted.  Mr. Schwartz also discussed the status of private development projects in the City.

 

 Consider amendments to zoning code sections 255-48 and 235-36 to establish a payment in lieu of required off-street parking in B-3, CENTRAL Business District – Ordinance 6-10:  Denny Darnold shared information regarding the amendments to the zoning code to establish a payment in lieu of required off-street parking in B-3, the Central Business District.  He stated the recommendation was to approve the amendments to Section 255-48, Zoning Code, and Section 235-35, Vehicles and Parking.  Discussion was held regarding the cost of constructing a parking lot and the cost of land in the downtown area.  He recommended charging half of the cost of the estimated construction and land cost; the fee would be $5,700 for one to five stalls, and $5,450 for six or more stalls.  The amounts would be inserted into the fee per stall section of the ordinance. 

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill for a first reading of Ordinance 6-10.  City Attorney, Catherine Munkittrick advised the need for additional language in sections A and B; she will work with Mr. Darnold on the wording.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Authorization to file WDNR grant fund application for Targeted Runoff Management – Resolution No. 7-10:  Mayor Knudson shared information about the filing of a grant application regarding Targeted Runoff Management.  Tom Zeuli also shared information about a stormwater assessment done in 2008 for Lake Mallalieu.  He stated that targeting runoff there was a high priority.  He reported that the resolution was needed as part of the grant application process.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution 7-10.  Roll call vote taken, all ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley to adopt the following:

 

Resolution 7-10.

AUTHORIZATION TO FILE WDNR GRANT APPLICATION

FOR TARGETED RUNOFF MANAGEMENT

(copy on file in Clerk’s office and attached)

 

All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

 

CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT to §19.85 (1)(e), Wis. Stats. to deliberate regarding possible sale of public property at 701 Second Street, Hudson, WI.  mayor Knudson reported that Closed Session would not be needed.

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MAYOR:  Mayor Knudson stated he would appoint an Ad Hoc Committee for the Deer Management Project at the meeting on April 20, 2010. 

 

Proclamations re: Volunteer Week, Arbor Day and Forest Appreciation Week:  Mayor Knudson read proclamations regarding Volunteer Week, Arbor Day and Forest Appreciation Week.

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS; Any Alderperson:  Alderperson O’Malley requested an agenda item as soon as possible to determine the areas where deer management will be allowed.

 

Alderperson Brokaw thanked the City Council Members, Mayor, City Staff for their hard work, and all the residents for their involvement in the community; it makes it a great place to live!

 

ADJOURNMENT:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to adjourn the meeting.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED at 8:52 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 set forth therein.

  

 

               

 

 

                Dean R. Knudson, Mayor              

                                                         

                                  Date approved by Council