CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUES OF JUNE 2, 2008

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, Pam Brokaw, Lori Bernard, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley and Alan Burchill.

OTHERS PRESENT: Eric Christensen, Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Gordon Conard, Marty Jensen, Denny Darnold, Tom Zeuli, Doug Luchsinger, Pat Sherley, Tom Hennes, Jim Schreiber, Sue Gherty, Kim Heinemann, Dick Weigel, Elizabeth Weigel, Jeremy Johnson, Tricia Johnson, Elijah Omweno, Linda Donaldson, Mike Kruger, Ruth Zieman, Jerry Klecker, Larry Church, Annie Hagar, Mikayla Faughn, Kelsey Brathal, Jennifer Graetz, David Sjoberg, Sydney Malanaphy, Emily Kepulis, Josh Kock-Fogarty, Adam Selon, Ashley Anunson, Mike Selon, and others.

Municipal Judge Susan Gherty administered the Oath of Office to Hudson Police Patrol Officer Jeremy Johnson; Tricia Johnson pinned the badge on her husband’s uniform.

RECOGNITION OF GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD RECIPIENTS AND DESTINATION IMAGINATION TEAM’S GLOBAL FINAL AWARDS: Mayor Knudson congratulated Girl Scouts Annie Hagar, Mikayla Faughn, Kelsey Brathal, Jennifer Graetz and Chelsea Walczak on their receipt of the Gold Award. He noted that their civic projects were at the E.P. Rock Elementary School and at the St. Croix Valley Life Care Center, and thanked them for their contributions.

Mayor Knudson also congratulated the members of the Destination Imagination team: David Sjoberg, Sydney Malanaphy, Emily Kepulis, Josh Kock-Fogarty, Adam Selon, and Ashley Anunson. He reported that the team recently won first place at the Global Finals in Tennessee and also received a DaVinci award for outstanding performance. He complimented them on their efforts and recognized their achievements.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Mayor Knudson called for comments and suggestions three times; none were given.

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

MINUTES: Approve the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting minutes of 5/19/08.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

FUND	DESCRIPTION	PAYABLES	PAYROLL	TOTALS
100	General	67,174.48	159,107.20	226,281.68
410	Tax Increment Financing	28,392.64	0.00	28,392.64
450	Capital Projects	42,250.00	0.00	42,250.00
490	Biosolids	0.00	0.00	0.00
610	Sewer	14,864.76	10,751.17	25,615.93
620	Parking	610.56	1,085.77	1,696.33
630	Ambulance	16,463.01	26,642.76	43,105.77
	TOTALS	$169,755.45	$197,586.90	$367,342.35

Review of Room Tax Budget: Place on file the 2008 Room Tax Budget report, as submitted.

Application of Hudson Boosters for Temporary Class “B”/”class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer and wine July 3 to July 5, 2008 at the annual Booster Days event in Lakefront Park: Approve the issuance of a Temporary Class “B”/”class B” Retailer’s License to the Hudson Booster Club to sell beer and wine July 3 to July 5, 2008 at the annual Booster Days event in Lakefront Park.

Application of Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau for Temporary Class “B”/”class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer and wine October 15-18, 2008 at the Spirit of the St. Croix Days event in Lakefront Park: Approve the issuance of a Temporary Class “B”/”class B” Retailer’s License to the Hudson Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau to sell beer and wine October 15-18, 2008 at the Spirit of St. Croix Days event in Lakefront Park.

Renewal of Taxi Cab service license for FDS Enterprises d/b/a A Taxi/Hudson Taxi and applications for Taxicab Drivers Licenses: Approve the renewal and issuance of the Taxicab Service license to FDS Enterprises d/b/a A Taxi/Hudson Taxi, and Taxicab Drivers Licenses to: Douglas Luchsinger, Timothy Witzel, Robert Francis, Ronald Nelson, Jeffrey Barneson, Martin Withuski and Brian Lovejoy.

Approve vendors registered to sell during Booster Days event: Approve Direct Seller permits to the following groups registered to sell during Hudson Booster Days: Hudson Boosters, Hudson United Methodist Church, Earl’s Rides, Boy Scout Troop 148 and Glo Sticks, LLC (Cory Schmidt & Daniel Farsht).

Review and approve the updated job description for Building Maintenance Worker position: Approve the updated Building Maintenance Worker job description, as submitted.

Request for Head Lifeguard pay adjustment: Approve increasing the hourly rate for the Head Lifeguard position to $.50 per hour higher than the rate for lifeguards in the current pay scale.

Special Event Permit application, Spirit of St. Croix Days, 10/15 to 10/18/08: Approve the issuance of a Special Event Permit for the Spirit of the St. Croix Days event to be held October 15 to October 18, 2008 in Lakefront Park, contingent on receipt of the required Certificate of Insurance, and the provision of six additional off-street disability parking stalls on the west side of the Lakefront Park bathhouse parking lot.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the reports of the Wastewater Director, and the Community Access Board minutes of 5/27/08.

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

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Morrissette recused himself. Mayor Knudson reported that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the licenses, as presented. MOTION by Wyland, second by Burchill to approve the issuance of regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 6/3/08 to 6/30/10 to:

Evelyn D. Dawson 462 Green Mill Lane Hudson, WI

Rose M. Minke 632 Lemon Street North Hudson, WI

Teresa L. Peterson 462 Green Mill Lane Hudson, WI

And the issuance of Temporary Operator’s Licenses for the period July 3 to July 5, 2008 at the Hudson Booster Days event to:

Gregory A. Mahr 1249 80^th Street Hudson, WI

And issuance of a Temporary Operator’s Licenses for the period October 15 to October 18, 2008 at the Spirit of the St. Croix event to:

Kimber Lee Heinemann 558 Perch Lake Road Hudson, WI

Patricia J. Sherley 1310 Eighth Street Hudson, WI

Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Determine funding source for flag system on Second Street at Myrtle Street: mayor Knudson stated that Council had previously approved a flag system for the crosswalk on Second Street at Myrtle Street, and the Finance Committee recommended using funds from the Contingency Fund. MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to approve the use of $600 from the Contingency Fund for the crosswalk flag system on Second Street at Myrtle Street. Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review proposed updates to City Procurement Policy: mayor Knudson reported that Department Heads and staff had reviewed the proposed updates to the City’s Procurement Policy. He stated that the policy was intended to encourage competition and still be flexible. He noted that the Finance Committee recommended approval, with one minor correction. MOTION by Burchill, second by Brokaw, to approve the updated Procurement Policy dated 5/28/08 (with the correction noted at the Finance meeting). It was discussed that the policy was internal, could be changed at any time, and would be effective immediately. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids received for 2008 Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter Replacement Project and Review bids received for 2008 Mill and Overlay Project: mayor Knudson explained that the Finance Committee recommended delaying action on the bids for the Sidewalk Curb and Gutter Program, as well as the 2008 Mill and Overlay Project until the July 7^th Council meeting. He stated that they recommended waiting until more information is available on the Crest View Drive Mill and Overlay Project costs before deciding how to proceed with the other projects. Mayor Knudson stated that the engineers have estimated that the Crest View Drive costs could be much higher than initially expected. He suggested that a committee be formed consisting of Tom Zeuli, Betty Caruso, Scot O’Malley and Mayor Knudson, and that they approve the plans and specifications and authorize them to be advertised for bids, in order to meet the publishing deadlines. Discussion was held on the bids submitted for the projects and the funds set aside in the 2008 bond issue.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to accept the Finance Committee’s recommendation to form a committee that would approve the plans and specifications for the Crest View Drive Mill and Overlay Project and authorize Bonestroo to advertise for bids, and to delay action on the 2008 Sidewalk Curb and Gutter Project and the 2008 Mill and Overlay Project until the July 7^th Council meeting. Discussion included information that the 45-day window for accepting bids would still be met. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Update on discussions with representatives from Joint Library municipalities regarding acquiring a building for library purposes, including authorization of $2,500 for legal fees associated with drafting an amendment to the Joint Library Agreement to allow the possible purchase of a building: Mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee recommended approval of an expenditure of $2,500 for legal fees to draft an amendment to the current Joint Library Agreement to allow the possible purchase of a building. He shared information about the recent meetings that were held with representatives from the four member municipalities, and that they recommended working with Attorney Jeff Redmon to help create a Capital Agreement amendment to the Joint Library Agreement. It was noted that Mr. Redmon would be donating some of his time and would only charge a flat fee of $10,000, to be split equally between the four municipalities.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve a payment of $2,500 (from the Contingency Fund) for legal fees as the City’s share for drafting a Capital Agreement amendment to the Joint Library Agreement to allow the possible purchase of a building. Discussion was held regarding future building sites, fund-raising efforts, and the need for commitment from all the municipalities in the whole process. Additional discussion was held concerning the five different scenarios being considered for the ownership and operation of a library building. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Renewal of alcoholic beverage licenses for 7/1/08 to 6/30/09: Mayor Knudson explained that the Finance Committee did not have time to make a recommendation on the topic. Morrissette recused himself. MOTION by Wyland, second by O’Malley, to approve renewal and issuance of “Class B” Liquor and “B” Beer licenses for the period 7/1/08 to 6/30/09 to The Nova of Hudson, LLC d/b/a The Nova, J L & M Inc. d/b/a Twisted Grille, and Wismin Hospitality LLC d/b/a San Pedro Café. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill to approve renewal and issuance of “Class B” Liquor and “B” Beer license for the period 7/1/08 to 6/30/09 to Sharon Horne-Ellstrom LLC d/b/a Ellie’s on Main, and “Class C” Wine and “B” Beer licenses to C & L Pizza, LLC d/b/a Doughboys Pizza and Ragma Inc. d/b/a Key’s Café, and a Class “B” Beer license to Ward Management of Hudson LTD d/b/a Pizza Hut, contingent that all payments for outstanding debt have cleared the bank, and upon satisfactory completion of the building and fire inspections. Attorney Munkittrick stated that the payments were submitted to the City, and shared information from State Statutes regarding delinquent debt to wholesalers. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Repairs needed for Emergency Sirens and poles: Mayor Knudson shared information that the siren poles were scheduled to be replaced, but in the meantime the pole and siren at Eighth Street fell during a storm and sustained considerable damage. The siren was considered a total loss. An insurance claim was filed and it appears that replacement costs will be paid minus the deductible. Discussion was held regarding the change from wooden to steel poles; it was noted that steel poles would allow the sirens to be higher, which would be better for the neighbors. The total cost for the 8^th Street siren and pole was $42,481.96.

City Emergency Management Coordinator Eric Christensen also noted the need to replace the pole at Hanley Road/O’Neil Road at a cost of $15,000 that would include take-down and installation. He called attention to the federal FEMA guidelines and recommended the City continue to use the current brand of sirens in the system to maintain consistency with the Emergency Communication Warning System. He noted that the new poles would be 70 feet high and could be in place within four to six weeks of the order date.

O’Malley called attention to the possibility of obtaining poles through Xcel Energy. Discussion was held regarding funding, noting that $6,000 was allocated in the bond issue. Finance Officer Betty Caruso stated that the balance could come from the Contingency Fund.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to authorize Mayor Knudson and Eric Christensen to negotiate emergency siren and pole expenses up to $45,000, and to look into the cost for replacing the pole at O’Neil and Hanley Road. Information was shared on who activates the sirens, and when. Public Works Lead Man Tom Zeuli stated there was also a siren at the Public Safety Building that could be operated manually; he stated that with the help of volunteers, it could be used to cover the downtown area until the new siren is in service. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Update on Projects: mayor Knudson noted the update report provided by Bonestroo engineer Chuck Schwartz. Burchill questioned the status of the Crest View Drive triple left-hand turn lane signal pole.

Consider amending zoning code to permit boardinghouses in industrial districts through the Conditional Use Process – create Section 255-41.G. – Ordinance No. 4-08: Mayor Knudson noted that the first reading of the ordinance was held on May 19, 2008. MOTION by Morrissette to deny adoption of Ordinance No. 4-08. Mayor Knudson called three times for a second to the motion; none were given. MOTION FAILED for lack of a second.

Denny Darnold reviewed the proposed changes. He noted the amendment was not specific to any proposal and that Conditional Use Permits would still be required. Morrissette voiced concern for the negative impact that could occur in the area.

Ruth Ziemann, 1307 Heggen Street, voiced her concerns and stated that she and members of a condo association opposed the proposed changes to the zoning code. She also presented a petition signed by 14 members of the Prairie Pointe Condominium Association on Heggen Street.

First Street resident Jerry Klecker stated that he owned 32 units in the Heggen Street area and was concerned about parking near his properties, as well as loitering and increased traffic. He stated he was against the proposed rezoning.

Kevin Coulee of North Hudson explained that he was a volunteer minister at the county jail and noted the need for the proposed rescue mission facility and that he supported the changes to the zoning district.

Larry Church, President of Prairie Pointe Condo Association, stated his concern for safety in the area and property values.

Tom Hennes from the Open Door Rescue Mission requested approval of the ordinance that would allow boardinghouses in industrial zoning districts. He stated that the location at 1202 Beaudry Boulevard could provide many job prospects to the residents at the center. He stated that if people are not given help they would be a detriment to the community, and with help, they could have structure and the tools to change. He stated that he had spoken with a representative of the Prairie Pointe Condominiums and intends to meet with the neighbors to meet and address any concerns.

MOTION by Morrissette to deny approval of Ordinance No. 4-08. Mayor Knudson called for a second three times; none was given. MOTION FAILED for lack of a second. Additional discussion was held regarding the zoning change, residential districts, and B-2 and B-3 areas.

MOTION by Morrissette, second by Brokaw to table the item. Ayes (2); Noes: (4). MOTION FAILED.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to adopt the following:

ORDINANCE NO. 4-08

AMEND municipal code to permit boardinghouses in industrial districts through the Conditional Use Process – create Section 255-41.G.

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office).

Discussion was held regarding the Conditional Use Permit process. Ayes (5); Morrissette voted No. MOTION CARRIED.

Recommendation from Finance Committee to enter into an agreement for health insurance consulting services: city Administrator Devin Willi explained information regarding the hiring of a health insurance consultant. He noted that following the interviews, the Finance Committee recommended entering into a six-month contract. City Attorney Munkittrick provided copies of a revised agreement for Council to consider. Contingency, compensation, and commissions were discussed. Ms. Munkittrick also expressed concern regarding automatic renewal of the contract. Mr. Willi stated that details would need to be in place by mid-September in order to meet the State health insurance program deadlines. Burchill shared information that insurance agents would not be able to refund money back to clients, and that it was against the law.

MOTION by Burchill, second by O’Malley to approve entering into an Agreement with Associated Financial Group to provide health insurance consulting services, and to move forward to obtain bids for employee health insurance coverage. Additional discussion was held regarding the service fee amount in the contract, and the timeline. All ayes, (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Application for taxicab service license filed by Elijah Omweno, Robert Isaac and Stephen Momanyi and Taxicab Drivers Licenses: Mayor Knudson asked if it was in the City’s best interest to have another taxicab service. Morrissette stated he believed that competition was good and in his opinion taxicabs were not always available when needed. A question was raised regarding where the dispatch messages would originate; it was clarified that the dispatch base would be in Menomonie, WI, but a cab would be in the Hudson area. The issue of unlicensed taxicabs working in the City was also noted.

MOTION by Burchill, second by O’Malley, to approve the issuance of a Taxicab Service License for Kilimanjaro Taxicab, as presented, and issuance of taxicab Drivers Licenses to Elijah Omweno, Robert Isaac, and Stephen Momanyi, as presented. Clerk Korson noted that a certificate of taxicab inspections, and certificates of insurance for each vehicle needed to be provided before the licenses could be issued. MOTION AMENDED by Burchill, second by O’Malley to reflect contingent on receipt of the certificate of taxicab inspections, and certificates of insurance for each vehicle. Additional information was shared regarding the current Municipal Code and that it does not specify a number of taxicab services to be licensed. Attorney Munkittrick stated it was not the City’s function to restrict competition, but to protect the public welfare. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review plans and specs and authorize Bonestroo to advertise for bids for the Hanley Road Pathway Improvements Project: o’malley addressed the timing of the project. Concerns were raised regarding construction projects on Hanley Road and Crest View Drive occurring at the same time. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to postpone action on the Hanley Road Pathway Improvements Project until after the bids are received for the Crest View Drive Project. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: Devin Willi explained the energy use summary report he provided in a handout. He noted it was the first step in establishing a benchmark. He stated he would be meeting with Honeywell to discuss methods for becoming more energy efficient.

O’Malley requested an agenda item to explore changing the Municipal Code regarding outstanding debt owed to the City, and authorizing the City Attorney to pursue those changes.

COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MAYOR: Mayor Knudson suggested future agenda items be considered regarding a change to Municipal Code, 124-5(I) regarding approval of direct sellers at community events, and also 150-10 regarding minor changes to the applications for large assemblies (Special Event Permits).

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to adjourn. All ayes (6). MOTION CARRIED at 9:15 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