CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008

Meeting called to order by Mayor Dean Knudson in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:00 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.

OTHERS PRESENT: Cathy Munkittrick, Devin Willi, Betty Caruso, Ann Majerus, Pat Casanova, Jim Frye, Randy Hanson, Tom Hennes, Barb Hennes, Dan Ortner, Tom Zeuli, Chuck Schwartz, Marty Jensen, Ty Anderson, Patrol Officers Tracie Haines and John Worden and their family members, and others.

Clerk Korson administered the Oath of Office to Lori Bernard, Alderperson in District 3, Judge Susan Gherty administered the Oath of Office to Hudson Police Patrol Officers Traci Haines and John Worden. Their family members pinned the police badges on the uniforms of the new officers.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Mayor Knudson invited any citizens present who wished to talk about a topic not on the agenda to come forward; no comments or suggestions were given.

CONSENT AGENDA: The Plan Commission item regarding schedule a public hearing and the Claims were removed from the Consent Agenda. MOTION by Morrissette, second by Wyland, to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

MINUTES: Approve the regular Meeting minutes of 4/7/08 and the Organizational Meeting minutes of 4/15/08.

2008 Schedule of concerts in the Park: Approve the 2008 schedule of concerts in Lakefront Park, as submitted.

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

quarterly reports of the Fire Department, Building Inspector, and Finance

Officer, and the Public Utility Commission minutes of 4/8/08.

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

Schedule Public Hearing for 6:55 p.m. on 5/19/08 to consider amending zoning code to permit boardinghouses in industrial districts through the Conditional Use Process – create Section 255-41.G: mayor Knudson invited Tom Hennes from the Open Door Rescue Mission to respond to questions regarding the request to modify the zoning requirements in an Industrial District.

Mr. Hennes explained the desire to open an emergency shelter and long-term rehabilitation residential facility for drug and alcohol abuse victims, with their target client being women and women with children. He shared information about other facilities in the area and noted that they were unable to provide services to everyone requesting them, as the demand is too great. He reported that the site the Open Door Rescue Mission is interested in is at 1202 Beaudry Boulevard. MOTION by Wyland, second by O’Malley, to schedule the public hearing for for 6:55 p.m. on 5/19/08 to consider amending the zoning code to permit boardinghouses in industrial districts through the Conditional Use Process – create Section 255-41.G. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

APPLICATIONS FOR OPERATORS LICENSES: Morrissette recused himself. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to approve the issuance of a regular Operator’s License for the period 4/22/08 through 6/30/09 to:

Mauricio Bustos 2714 Brookview Dr. #303 St. Paul, MN

William M. McMurdo 1106 Sunset Lane River Falls, WI

Dianne K. Joachim 1141 173^rd Ave. New Richmond, WI

Charles W. Minke 1517 Hunter Hill Rd. Hudson, WI

Marcia K. Lewis 312 Wildwood Circle Roberts, WI

Haley E. Cameron 628 14^th Ave. SE Minneapolis, MN

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

Janean R. Dyke 495 Bauer Road Hudson, WI

Raymond P. Baumgartner 82 Coach Light Drive Hudson, WI

Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Application of Hudson Softball Association, Inc. for renewal of their Class B beer license in the Grandview Park concession stand for the period 5/1/08 through 10/31/08: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to approve the renewal and issuance of a six-month Class B Beer License to the Hudson Softball Association, Inc. to sell beer in the Grandview Park Concession Stand from 5/1/08 through 10/31/08. Burchill recused himself. Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider additional Patrol Officer position for Police Department: motion by Morrissette, second by Burchill, to approve an additional Patrol Officer position for the Hudson Police Department, as recommended by the Finance Committee. Discussion included information that funding the position in 2008 would come from some 2007 budget carryover items. In 2009 the possible use of funds in the amount of approximately $80,000 could be considered from the closure of TIF District #4. Additional discussion was held regarding funding and requesting that the Finance Officer include tracking of the closure of the TIF District in her monthly report. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Request for expenditures for equipment and technology for Police Department: Mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the request for additional equipment and technology for the Police Department. It was noted that the request included 8 new mobile data computers and upgrading two existing units, as well as radar units, tasers, training aids, and PBT units. Discussion was held concerning funding sources and an opportunity to use State grant funds of $13,500. MOTION by Morrissette, second by Wyland, to approve the Police Department request for equipment and technology, as submitted, in the amount of $67,900 to be funded by $18,232 from grants and current Police Dept. Equipment Fund, $27,386 from the 2007 fund balance carryover, and $22,282 from the 2008 bond issue, as recommended by the Finance Committee.

Finance Officer Betty Caruso explained the need for a 2008 Budget Amendment, which would be scheduled for the next meeting. MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to authorize the Finance Officer to proceed with creation of the 2008 Budget amendment, and to approve the purchases contingent on completion of the amendment procedures. All ayes, (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider predevelopment agreement for redevelopment proposal, analysis and review for financial assistance: It was noted that the Agreement would require a $10,000 deposit paid to the City. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to approve the Predevelopment Agreement for Redevelopment Analysis and Review for Financial Assistance, as presented. City Administrator Devin Willi informed that the proper corporation names would be filled in prior to execution of the Agreement. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Authorize Bonestroo to proceed with plans and specifications for Crest View Drive Mill and Overlay Project: o’malley stated that the Public Works Committee recommended proceeding with the project and that funds would be included in the 2008 bond issue. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to authorize Bonestroo to proceed with the plans and specifications for the Crest View Drive Mill and Overlay Project. Additional information was shared regarding the design fee. Bonestroo engineer Chuck Schwartz stated that the work could be done for less than the normal amount due to the simplicity of the project. A detailed traffic control plan would also be put in place. A question arose about the condition of the infrastructure beneath the road, to avoid digging up the road for other repairs. Mayor Knudson voiced his appreciation for the lower rate that Bonestroo could provide on some project costs. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Authorize Bonestroo to proceed with plans and specs for Hanley Road Sidewalk Project: motion by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to authorize Bonestroo to prepare the plans and specifications for the Hanley Road Sidewalk Project, based on the Public Works Committee recommendation. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review quotes, approve dates, and award contract for Spring and Fall Leaf Collection Program: o’malley announced that one bid was received from River City Disposal for the Leaf Collection Program, in the amount of $15,862. Dates and details about the drop-off site were shared. It was noted that City residents could dispose of leaves and grass clippings free of charge, if appropriately bagged. O’Malley also announced that if anyone in the 5^th Aldermanic District needed help, they should contact him.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to approve the bid from River City Disposal in the amount of $15,862 for the Spring and Fall Leaf Collection Program, with the spring dates of April 26 through May 10, 2008. Additional information was shared regarding the ability for residents to call for curbside pickup during the collection dates, at a charge of $1.00 per bag. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review 2008 Mill and Overlay Project and authorize advertising for bids AND 2008 Sidewalk/Curb and Gutter Replacement Program and authorize advertising for bids. o’malley presented information regarding the proposed 2008 Mill and Overlay Project. He stated that the Public Works Committee recommended approval and the funds were included in the budget. Public Works Lead Man Tom Zeuli shared information concerning the streets that were scheduled to be included:

· Eleventh Street South, from Wisconsin Street to Summer Street

· Redwood Drive – a section that had drainage issues

It was noted that the curb and gutter portion of 11^th Street would be included in the Sidewalk/Curb and Gutter Replacement Program. It was explained that these projects were done “in house” and engineering fees would not apply.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to approve the proposed 2008 Mill and Overlay Project and the 2008 Sidewalk/Curb and Gutter Replacement Project, and authorize advertising for bids.

O’Malley stated that the curb and gutter projects are normally done along with the Mill and Overlay Projects, whenever possible. He explained that the budget amount allocated for the Sidewalk Program was $75,000, and $160,000 was included for the Mill and Overlay Project. Tom Zeuli shared information concerning the annual Sidewalk Inspection Program and that Nor-Lake would be purchasing pedestrian crossing flags for the intersection on Second Street at Elm Street, and the City would install the pedestrian ramp. The list of the sections of sidewalks scheduled to be replaced was read. MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to include approval of the projects contingent on funding from the bond issue. Morrissette questioned when curb and gutter could be installed to an area where there was none in place. Tom Zeuli reported some work needed to be done on a pond, as well. Mayor Knudson responded that would need to be a future agenda item. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids and award contract for 2008 Carmichael Road Street Light Replacement Project: O’malley announced that the Public Works Committee had recommended approval of the bid from B & B Electric for the street light project in the amount of $24,720. He also explained the recommendation for City Staff to accept bids for aluminum poles that are estimated to cost $53,000. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Brokaw, to authorize City Staff to purchase aluminum light poles directly from a third-party bidder at the lowest cost available, and to approve the bid from B & B Electric to wire and install the light poles at a cost of $24,720. O’Malley explained the need to change the poles from steel to aluminum. Discussion was held concerning the total amount of the project, and that $90,000 would be included in the bond issue. Mayor Knudson recommended researching the possibility of changing to LED lights as part of the process before the purchase. It was clarified that the project costs would include lights, poles and wiring. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider change order for additional accessories to Aerial Lift Truck: o’malley stated that the Public Works Committee recommended approval of the change order for accessories for the lift truck. The accessories were intended to be part of the original specifications. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill to approve the change order for purchase of additional accessories for the 2008 aerial lift truck. It was noted that the accessories included a hydraulic preparation kit, tilt and extended jib and winch, four steel tool boxes, two steel guards, one steel bulkhead and a cab guard. The change order, with trade in, totaled $12,813. Mayor Knudson stated that the cost of the truck with the change order still totaled less than the 2008 bond amount of $130,000. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids and lease agreement and award Lakefront Park Concessions Stand Lease: o’malley stated that the Park Board recommended approval of a lease agreement for sale of concessions in the Lakefront Park Bath House, with rent to be based on 5% of the monthly gross sales.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to approve the lease agreement with the Giggle Factory to operate the concession stand in the Lakefront Park Bath House, as recommended by the Park Board. Discussion regarding insurance coverage was held. MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to include approval contingent on clarifying that the City has insurance coverage on the building, but the lessee would be required to insure their own equipment. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Approve request of Inspiring Actions for yoga sessions in Lakefront Park: It was noted that the Park Board recommendation provided no charges would be made to the participants. Information about using electricity was discussed. Administrator Devin Willi was asked to notify them that batteries would be needed for their boom box. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve Inspiring Actions yoga sessions in the Lakefront Park bandshell, unless it was reserved for another use. It was noted that there would be no charge to Inspiring Actions, and that they would accept a free will donation which could be donated to the Humane Society. All ayes, (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review proposal for Prospect Park Earthwork Project: motion by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to approve the bid from Zappa Brothers in the amount of $14,180 to provide the layout, staking and grading of the southern portion of Prospect Park, with funding from the 2007 Capital Projects bond issue. Information was shared regarding topsoil and plantings. All ayes, (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Election of Common Council President: mayor Knudson shared information that four votes would be needed to elect the Council President and that paper ballots could be used, if desired. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill to start the nomination procedure from the beginning. Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Knudson called for nominations; Burchill nominated Randy Morrissette. Mayor Knudson asked for other nominations; none were given.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to close the nominations. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Knudson announced that Randy Morrissette was the Council President.

Update on Projects: Bonestroo engineer Chuck Schwartz reviewed his update report. He noted that the St. Croix River had not crested yet, and they would be monitoring the seawall. He stated that they needed to wait for the soil to dry out before steps can be taken to complete the Seawall Project. He also noted that Lakefront Park Phase III Improvements would be discussed at the May 6^th Park Board meeting.

Mr. Schwartz explained that as soon as the sign bridge arm is installed on Crest View Drive, the triple left turn lane could be opened. He estimated it could take one to one and a half weeks for completion, and recommended issuing a press release and placing information on the City’s website about the change.

mr. Schwartz noted that older projects are being completed and contractors were addressing their work orders. Morrissette suggested that the contractor go door-to-door in the Nye and Aldrich area to follow up with the residents and find out if they had any additional concerns regarding the recent storm sewer project.

Mayor Knudson expressed concern for the Lakefront Park Project and hoped that Phase III could be completed as soon as possible. He suggested that off-season specifications could be done in the winter so that work could begin earlier in the year.

Consider creating an Ad Hoc Committee to review the land proposal from West Wisconsin Land Trust, Inc: Mayor Knudson questioned whether the Finance Committee could investigate the land proposal from West Wisconsin Land Trust, instead of establishing an Ad Hoc Committee. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to authorize the Finance Committee to review the land proposal from West Wisconsin Land, Trust, Inc. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Resolution authorizing Ehlers & Associates, Inc. to solicit bids for $2,300,000 G.O. Promissory Notes to finance 2008 capital improvement projects - Resolution No. 5-08: moTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to conduct a first reading on Resolution No. 5-08. Mayor Knudson suggested that some changes could be made before the Resolution was adopted. Finance Officer Caruso also noted that she had some issues and suggested that the amount could be different than $2.35 million. She reported that the bonds would be sold on May 19^th and a short-term note would become due in April of 2009. Additional discussion was held regarding the wording of the final resolution and that it could be different from the version in the first reading. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Update from Facilities Needs Ad Hoc Committee (Lee Wyland): Lee Wyland provided an update from the Facilities Needs Ad Hoc Committee. He stated the desire to provide a complete picture of what is recommended factoring in future needs. A meeting is scheduled for April 24^th at 6:00 p.m. to review the data, and a summary with final analysis statistics will be presented to the Council in three to four weeks. Mayor Knudson requested the Ad Hoc Committee compile the information and report by June 12^th.

Concept approval to consider accepting an application for a Taxicab Service License: Clerk Korson reported that an application for a Taxicab Service license had been received, and the party was requesting concept approval before proceeding with payment of the license fee. It was noted that Council could schedule a public hearing. Attorney Munkittrick advised that Council should not give concept approval, as that was not allowed under City ordinances.

Ty Anderson spoke regarding his desire to have a taxi service based in Hudson. Mayor Knudson advised that he should pay the $100 license fee in order to start the process.

communications and recommendations of the mayor: Mayor Knudson congratulated Clerk Korson on receiving her Wisconsin Certified Municipal Clerk designation. He also announced Earth Week activities and that cleanup would be done in the parks and other locations in the City. He thanked some of the volunteer participants from Target Store, Community Action, Starbucks, community service, sailboat mooring permit holders, and the foreign exchange program.

Mayor Knudson stated his desire to restart the canine program in the Police Department. He noted that funding needed to be found and suggested that the Public Safety Committee look into updating the job description with suggested criteria. He also announced the desire for Public Works and Parks Departments to continue to work together as they have through the winter season. Mayor Knudson requested direction from the Departments on whether to continue the practice during other times of the year. He also recommended reviewing the situation before additional lawn mowers are purchased.

Mayor Knudson stated that the Lakefront Park Phase III Project had originally been scheduled for $100,000 worth of improvements in the bond issue. He reported that staff recommended the need for more of everything, and that $222,000 of improvements were requested. He suggested that they attempt to get what is needed at a cost of $175,000 instead.

Mayor Knudson stated he would like to delay replacing the boiler for the City Hall building until the Energy Task Force has had a chance to review the current consumptions. He noted that the Task Force included Devin Willi, Betty Caruso, and Tom Zeuli, and he would like appointments from the Chairpersons of the Public Works and Public Safety committees. He expressed the desire to reduce energy costs, and again mentioned the use of LED lights, the possibility of obtaining grant funds, and using the engineering firm and Xcel Energy in the process. He stated that he hoped to reduce the City’s energy consumption by 10% within two years.

Other issues in Mayor Knudson’s goals and initiatives included increasing the number of Police Department Casual Call officers from six to ten, upgrade technology and equipment, and increase training. He expressed his desire to have the best Police Department in the area.

Mayor Knudson also noted the need to apply for a grant to offset the $1 million price the City paid for land in Prospect Park, and that two appraisals would be needed before May 1^st. He noted the need to receive grants and other philanthropic donations before spending City funds. He also stated that the 2000 version of the City’s Procurement Policy was being updated, and would be presented later to the Finance Committee. A Media Relations Policy would be discussed with the Department Heads, including three types of inquiries: routine, non-routine incident related situations, and policy related questions that Council might be considering. The policy would include who would be designated to respond to the different inquiries.

Mayor Knudson reported the following timelines:

Procurement Policy – middle of May

Energy Task Force – by June 12^th

Facilities Needs Report – June 12^th

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: Burchill questioned the amount of write-offs for St. Croix E.M.S. Finance Officer Betty Caruso fielded some questions; Administrator Devin Willi will gather additional information. Mayor Knudson suggested this be a future Finance Committee item. He also requested a detailed report and compiling suggestions and options from Staff.

Administrator Willi announced that he had met with two health insurance consultants and would bring the information to the Council by June 1^st. He also noted that there was a November deadline to consider any changes in the health insurance coverage.

Wyland announced that the next Public Safety Committee would be on Wednesday, May 14^th at 8:00 a.m.

O’Malley requested that minutes from the Park Board meetings be provided, and asked the City Administrator to investigate.

Finance Officer Betty Caruso reported that the 2007 audit should be completed by the end of June.

Claims: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve the following claims for payment:

FUND	DESCRIPTION	PAYABLES	PAYROLL	TOTALS
100	General	135,709.20	117,503.20	253,212.40
225	Impact Collection	47,896.88	0.00	47,896.88
450	Capital Projects	1,470.20	0.00	1,470.20
490	Biosolids	0.00	0.00	0.00
610	Sewer	78,100.09	10,401.93	88,502.02
620	Parking	583.38	989.08	1,572.46
630	Ambulance	9,148.70	8,408.06	17,556.76
860	Tax Agency	140,364.00	0.00	140,364.00
	TOTALS	$413,272.45	$137,302.27	$550,574.72

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

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard, to adjourn. All ayes (6). MOTION CARRIED at 8:55 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