CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF MONDAY, MAY 17, 2010

 

 

    

 

Meeting called to order by Mayor Dean Knudson in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:07 p.m.  Mayor Knudson led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

     Present:  Mayor Knudson and Alderpersons Randy Morrissette, Mary Yacoub, Lori Bernard, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley, Alan Burchill.

 

    Absent:  None.

 

     OTHERS PRESENT:  Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Denny Darnold, Betty Caruso, Tom Zeuli, Mike Wallace, Jim Schreiber, Marty Jensen, Eric Christensen, Randy Hanson, Chuck Schwartz, Gordon Conard, and others.

 

 Comments and suggestions from citizens present:  Mayor Knudson called for comments and suggestions from citizens present, none were given. 

 

     Consent agenda:  Motion by Morrissette, second by O’Malley to approve the following consent agenda items:

 

    MINUTES:To approve the Public Hearing, regular meeting minutes and Closed Session minutes of 5/3/10.

 

      Claims:  Approve the following claims for payment:

 

FUND

DESCRIPTION

PAYABLES

PAYROLL

TOTALS

100

General

90,738.54

135,392.03

226,130.57

290

Police Donations

342.81

0.00

342.81

450

Capital Projects

22,216.27

0.00

22,216.27

610

Sewer

44,649.07

11,368.47

56,017.54

620

Parking

909.10

1,104.32

2,013.42

630

Ambulance

5,653.56

9,690.65

15,344.21

 

Totals

164,509.35

157,555.47

322,064.82

 

     Applications for Operator’s Licenses:  Approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 05/18/10 to 6/30/11 to:

 

Jon P. DeVore              656 Carroll Avenue              St. Paul, MN

Scott A. Kaiser            1874 115th Avenue                Hammond, WI

Rana M. Kuebker            1820 Aspen Dr. #204             Hudson, WI

Rochelle M. LaBlanc        37 7th St. N.W.                  Clear Lake, WI

 

And issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 7/1/10 to 6/30/12 to:

 

Brandon J. Clark           374 Paquin Drive                Somerset, WI

Myken M. Eickstadt         408 11th Street                  Hudson, WI

Helen Kwok                 712 Woodcrest Drive             Hudson, WI

Rose M. Minke              632 Lemon Street North          Hudson, WI

Ruth E. Peterson           735 11th St. S., #6              Hudson, WI

 

And issuance of Temporary Operator’s Licenses to be used at the Hudson Hockey Association event on 7/31/10 to:

 

Susan K. Stoskopf          2227 Donegal Court              Hudson, WI

Michael F. Stoskopf        2227 Donegal Court              Hudson, WI

 

And to DENY the application of Scott Matti, 1202 Hidden Lane, New Richmond, WI, based on the recommendation of Police Chief Jensen.

 

 Application of Hudson Hockey Association for Temporary Class “B” Retailer’s License to sell beer 7/31/10 at their HHA 3-on-3 Alumni Tournament at 1820 Hanley Road: Approve the issuance of a Temporary Class “B” Retailer’s License to the Hudson Hockey Association to sellbeer on 7/31/10 at their HHA 3-on-3 Alumni Tournament at 1820 Hanley Road:

 

Application of Clifford Hentz for Amusement Device Owner’s License and permit for one device located at Dick’s Bar:  Approve the issuance of an Amusement Device License to Clifford Hentz and a      permit for one device located at Dick’s Bar.

 

     Request for Stipe’s Carnival to be held in Plaza 94 parking lot May 20-23, 2010:  Approve the Stipe’s Shows Carnival to be held May 20-23, 2010 in the Plaza 94 parking lot, contingent on approval from the property owner, Kraus-Anderson.

    

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, and COMMISSIONS:  Place on file the quarterly report of the Wastewater Director and Water Utility Director, and the Public Utilities Commission minutes of 5/11/10.

 

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

 

     Amendment to Ch. 202, Signs, regulations for electronic message display signs – Ordinance No. 11-10:  Denny Darnold shared information about a six- month moratorium that was approved, effective January 1, 2010, regarding the construction or installation of electronic message display signs.  He stated the Plan Commission recommended approval of the proposed amendments to the sign ordinance, and staff recommended a first reading of the ordinance. 

 

     Information was shared regarding electronic message display signs including sign brightness, visual blight, public safety, and constitutional rights.  Discussion was held regarding off-premises signage, the number of messages on the signs, and legal concerns.

 

     MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette to postpone action on Ordinance 11-10 (Amendment to Municipal Code, Chapter 202, Signs) and prior to the moratorium deadline, authorize the City Attorney to issue a report in the near future, so Council can act on the topic.

 

     Discussion was held regarding the current sign ordinance, the ability to extend the moratorium, sign proliferation, and additional constitutional concerns.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Application of Timm La Dolce Vita LLC for a Class “B” beer license, and to change their trade name from Toscano to Urban Olive and Vine:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to approve a Class “B” beer license for Timm La Dolce Vita LLC, (d/b/a Urban Olive and Vine at 520 Second Street) as recommended by the Finance Committee. (Approval is contingent on successful completion of the building and fire inspections and payment of the May 2010 utility accounts for the property.)  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Recommendation to fill Public Works and Parks maintenance position:  MOTION by Wyland, second by O’Malley to send to the Public Works Committee the subject of filling the Public Works and Parks Maintenance position, as recommended by the Finance Committee.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Consider RFP for consulting assessor services re: 2-year contract for revaluation in 2011 and maintenance contract in 2012:  Mayor Knudson stated the Finance Committee recommended approval of the staff recommendation to advertise for consulting assessor services with a two-year contract for revaluation in 2011 and a maintenance contract in 2012.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to authorize City Staff to prepare a Request for Proposals to solicit assessment services for a city-wide revaluation in 2011 and maintenance of assessment records in 2012, with proposals to address two service options: Option A would have all assessment functions outsourced, and Option B would keep the Assessment Technician function within existing City staff.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider Police Department purchase of digital evidence camera:  Mayor Knudson stated the Finance Committee recommended approval for the Police Department purchase of a digital evidence camera.  It was noted that they have a $2,500 donation to use towards the purchase price, and the remaining $1,463.91 would come from the long term Capital Projects budget, (if the sale of notes is done in 2010), or from the Police Department Equipment Trust Fund, per the Chief of Police.  MOTION by Wyland, second by Burchill to authorize the purchase of a digital evidence camera (for $3,963.91) with $2,500 coming from donations, and the balance from the long term Capital Projects budget, or the Police Department Equipment Trust Fund.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review and consider awarding bid submitted for City Hall remodeling project:  Mayor Knudson provided background information regarding the City Hall remodeling project on first floor.  Discussion was held regarding the proposal received from Skyline Renovations, legal concerns about the contract, funding for the renovations, and the EMS Department moving into the area. 

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to accept the bid from Skyline Renovations ($13,570.00), contingent on legal review of the contract and receipt of their insurance certificate.  O’Malley stated the contractor verbally agreed to waive the requirement of pre-payment that was presented in the proposal.

 

Additional discussion was held regarding the operations of the EMS Department, the cost for use of the space and budgeting concerns, and the relationship between the City and EMS Department.  Mayor Knudson noted the need to have an agenda item to discuss whether EMS should be paying rent, or not.

 

St. Croix EMS Director Eric Christensen spoke regarding the Department’s desire to move in to the area, but noted they did not budget for the payment of rent there in 2010.  Additional discussion was held regarding budget concerns and space needs.  Ayes (5), Noes (1-Burchill) MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Annual Compliance Maintenance Report for Wastewater Treatment Plant – Resolution No. 10-10:  MOTION by Morrissette, second by Burchill to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution 10-10.  Roll call vote taken, all ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to adopt the following:

Resolution No. 10-10

Adoption of Annual Compliance Maintenance Report

for Wastewater Treatment Plant

 (Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

     Mayor Knudson congratulated Wastewater Director Jim Schreiber and staff for their excellent work, compliance efforts, and noted their work to reduce energy costs, reduction of effluents, and mercury levels.

 

     Jim Schreiber presented highlights from the Compliance Maintenance Annual Report and noted the report evaluates the utility in nine categories and assigns a letter grade/grade point to each category and an overall grade point average.  The City of Hudson Wastewater Utility received a letter grade of A/4.0 for each category and a GPA of 4.0. 

 

     Alderperson O’Malley congratulated Mr. Schreiber and his staff and pointed out the Department exemplifies the best of what we strive for in Hudson City government -- providing the best service, highest grade, and lowest cost in the region.  Additional information was also shared regarding the implementation of a program to reduce pharmaceuticals in the water and wastewater.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.    

 

     COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MAYOR:  Mayor Knudson read proclamations regarding EMS Week and St. Croix River Awareness Cleanup Week.

  

     COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:  Alderperson Morrissette requested an update at the next meeting on the status of hiring a part-time IT

person.  He also requested Public Works to revisit weed control in the parks.

 

     Alderperson O’Malley invited citizens to attend the book sale at the 911 Fourth Street building Thursday, May 20th through Saturday, May 22nd.

 

     Alderperson Wyland complimented the EMS service on doing a great job in the community.

 

     ADJOURNMENT:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to adjourn the meeting.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED at 8:04 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