CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF MONDAY, JUNE 16, 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:  Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Denny Darnold, Chuck Schwartz, Yvonne Larsen, Gordon Conard, Dale Willi, Jim Schreiber, Lon Feia, David Gray, Jim Frye, Randy Hanson, Tony Markowski, Nora Markowski, Tom Redner, Tom Zeuli, Dan Ortner, JJ. Barnes, Don and Vicky Voorhees, Marty Jensen, Cedric Ellingson, Jason Winget, and others.

    

     Proclamation re: Amateur Radio Awareness Week:  Mayor Knudson read a proclamation designating June 22nd to 28th as Amateur Radio Awareness Week in Hudson.  Jason Winget, Emergency Coordinator from St. Croix County, was presented with the proclamation.

 

     Mayor Knudson presented a plaque of appreciation to Don Voorhees for his 19 years of service as a City employee, and offered congratulations on his retirement.

 

     Mayor Knudson presented a plaque of appreciation to Tony Markowski for his service on the Police and Fire Commission.   It was noted he was a member of the Commission for 20 years.

 

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

 

     CONSENT AGENDA:   MOTION by Morrissette, second by Bernard, to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

 

MINUTES:  Approve the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting minutes of 6/02/08.

 

Claims:  Approve the following claims for payment:

 

  FUND

DESCRIPTION

PAYABLES

PAYROLL

TOTALS

100

General

178,972.18

137,660.15

316,632.33

450

Capital Projects

34,712.36

0.00

34,712.36

610

Sewer

2,994.25

10,548.97

13,543.22

620

Parking

344.77

1,248.56

1,593.33

630

Ambulance

4,510.04

8,252.54

12,762.58

 

TOTALS

$221,533.60

 

$157,710.22

$379,243.82

 

Request of Freedom Valu Center to change the location for fireworks paraphernalia sales:  Approve the change of location for Freedom Valu Center to sell fireworks at 219 Second Street, contingent on surrender of the current permit at 210 Second Street, and completion of the items noted in the Fire Inspector’s report.

 

Request to barricade Sacia Lane for a block party on 6/28/08, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Approve the request to barricade Sacia Lane at Namekagon for a block party on Saturday, June 28th from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

 

Request to install stop sign on River Street at Sixth Street:  Approve yield signs placed northbound and southbound on Sixth Street at River Street, with review of the issue in 60 days.

 

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS:  Place on file the report of the Public Works/Street Department, the Public Utility Commission minutes of 6/10/08, and the Hudson Area Joint Fire Board minutes of 5/13/08.

 

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

 

Applications for Operator’s Licenses:  Mayor Knudson announced that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the applications for Operator’s licenses.   Morrissette recused himself.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve the issuance of regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 6/16/08 to 6/30/10 to:

 

 

     Allan J. Ballard     996 W.  8th St. Apt. 207   New Richmond, WI

Trisha L. Brihn      1473 Riverside Dr. #303    River Falls, WI

Cheryl K. Fenton     269 Chestnut St.           Ellsworth, WI

Jesse D. Hoffman     806 River Street           Hudson, WI

     Sara L. McPhetres    1517 2nd Street             Hudson, WI

     Joanne L. Minke      621 Oak Street             Hudson, WI

     Joseph A. Schmahl    215 W. Cedar St. #3        River Falls, WI

     Joshua O. Schmidt    309 S. Tenth Street        Hudson, WI

     Sarah R. Schwalbach  1966 Golf View Drive      River Falls, WI

 

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

 

     Joel W. Eby                940 Ridge Pass       Hudson, WI

     Tracey J. Jenkinson        914 St. Croix St. N  Hudson, WI

     Helen M. McCombie          1551 Heggen St. #109 Hudson, WI

     Jerry L. McKenzie          1262 27th Street      Hudson, WI

     Scott A. Newell           858 McDiarmid Drive  Hudson, WI

     Ryan E. Schwechler         628 Hillary Farm Rd. Hudson, WI

 

     Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Issues re: Police Department Canine Program:  mayor Knudson reported that the Finance Committee heard Chief Jensen’s presentation on his request to reimplement the Canine Program in the Police Department.  Chief Jensen explained that in order to reserve a spot in the March 2009 Canine Training Program (in St. Paul, MN), a commitment from the City was needed now.  He shared background information on the previous program, and startup costs for the new program.  He highlighted the past achievements of the Canine Unit and noted the benefit to the Department as well as the community. 

 

Chief Jensen reported that the total cost to implement the Canine Program would be approximately $14,000.  He noted that a drug training course would be an additional $500, and estimated annual costs would be $3,500.  He explained that $4,600 was available in the original Canine account, and noted other possible funding sources. 

 

MOTION by Morrissette, second by Brokaw, to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee to start a new Canine Program in the Police Department.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review proposed Prospect Park Restoration Improvements Project and consider advertising for bids:  Mayor Knudson stated that the Park Board and staff recommended advertising for bids for earthwork on the northerly section of the former hospital site in Prospect Park.  The bids would include staking, grading, and preparation of the topsoil to form a flat, level surface.  He noted the estimated project cost was $40,000 and funds were available from the 2007 and 2008 bond issues. 

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve advertising for bids for the Prospect Park Restoration Improvements Project, as presented.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review bids and consider awarding contract for Lakefront Park Phase III

Improvements Project:  mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the low bid from Urban Companies that was submitted for the project.  Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz provided information about the bids received.  Discussion was held regarding the wide range in the amount of the bids received, and the need to comply with the specifications in the contract.

 

     MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to accept the bid from Urban Companies in the amount of $79,020 for the Lakefront Park Phase III Landscaping Improvements Project.  Discussion was held concerning contractor references, the quality of work guidelines, and the timetable.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review plans for Lakefront Park Irrigation Project and authorize advertising for bids:  motion by Wyland, second by O’Malley, to advertise for the Lakefront Park Irrigation Project, contingent on DNR approval (to connect to the pump currently in use).  Discussion was held regarding the estimated project cost of $40,000, with the funding source from the 2008 bond issue.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Application of E & F Holdings LLC for Class B Beer and Class C Wine license d/b/a the Corner Saloon, 131 Carmichael Road, Suite 106:  Mayor Knudson announced the need for the business to primarily be a restaurant, and that this would also be the last Class “B” Beer license that the City could issue, per the current quota in place.  He noted that the Finance Committee recommended approval contingent on successful completion of the required building and fire inspections, and that the business is licensed as a restaurant.

 

Applicant Cedric Ellingson provided information regarding the plans for The Corner Saloon.  He stated that selling more food than beer and wine would not be a problem.  O’Malley addressed concerns regarding funding of the establishment.  City Attorney Munkittrick noted the continuation of business criteria.  Discussion was held regarding receiving bank funding, business hours, and number of employees.  Attorney Munkittrick clarified that the business would have to be open within 90 days of the license approval date.  Mr. Ellingson stated they hoped to be open by September 1st.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve the issuance of a Class “B” Beer and Class “C” wine license to E & F Holdings, LLC d/b/a The Corner Saloon at 131 Carmichael Road, Suite 106, contingent on successful completion of the building and fire inspections, and obtaining their restaurant license.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review and approve updated job description and authorize advertising for            Parks and Public Works Director position:  mayor Knudson stated the future of the Parks and Public Works Departments and the Director’s position needed to be discussed.  He questioned merging the two Departments permanently and noted that, in the interim, union members were supervising the employees.  He also stated that funding for the position was included in the 2008 Budget, and the Finance Committee recommended the subject for full Council review.

 

Denny Darnold explained that he and other Department Heads wished to have input to assist the Finance Committee and City Administrator with the job description.  He noted they have helped with some of the work duties and were worried about gaps in the present situation.  Discussion was held regarding combining Parks and Public Works and possibly other Departments as well.  O’Malley expressed disapproval for spending taxpayer money to change something that is working.  Bernard pointed out the need for long-range planning and other staffing issues.  Discussion was held regarding combining the departments permanently and how to proceed with creation of the job description.  Mr. Willi stated his concern with union issues.

 

MOTION by Morrissette, second by Brokaw, to combine the Parks and Public Works Departments and to create a job description for the Director of the combined departments.  MOTION AMENDED to include that Department Heads should submit their recommendations for the position to the City Administrator, with the final draft of the job description submitted to the Finance Committee for review.  O’Malley voiced concerns about how clarifying it would work, before moving ahead.  Mayor Knudson reviewed what has happened with the position and stated there was $70,000 in the budget for 2008.  Ayes (5); O’Malley abstained.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review quotes for waste oil burner at east and west city garages:  City Mechanic Dan Ortner presented estimates for waste oil burners for the East and West City Garages and the savings that could be obtained from their use.  He recommended one storage tank be purchased so waste oil could be saved to burn in the furnace next winter.  He noted one tank would cost $7,593.  He also pointed out the need for the installer to be licensed in Wisconsin, the installer of the lines needs to be certified, and the need to register with the Department of Commerce, with yearly inspections to be completed.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to approve the purchase of one storage tank for $7,600, and to advertise for bids for the waste oil furnaces and remainder of installation, as noted on the handout sheets provided.  Discussion was held regarding the cost savings.  Mayor Knudson noted his wish to have both garage buildings heated with this system.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.  

 

Consider purchase of air monitor for confined space entry:  Tom Zeuli stated his request to purchase an air monitoring device for the Public Works Department.  It was noted that OSHA had a requirement that the air in confined spaces be monitored.  He reported that the Water Department and Wastewater Treatment Plants each had monitoring devices, but they were often in use and it was difficult to share them.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to approve the purchase of a Micro Max M-4 air monitoring device from Viking Safety in the amount of $1,765.00.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review costs for City Hall building roof repairs, Municipal Building roof repairs, AND Public Safety Building roof repairs:  o’malley announced that roof repairs were needed on three City-owned buildings.  He reported that the quote for City Hall from the Roofing Center was in the amount of $18,915, and a quote for window replacement with wood and metal wrap from S & P Exteriors in the amount of $4,340.  He stated that the staff recommendation for the Municipal Building roof was to accept the bid from North Central Insulation in the amount of $19,166, and the recommendation for the Public Safety Building roof was to accept the bid from North Central Insulation in the amount of $15,661. 

 

It was noted that $20,000 was available in the 2008 bond issue and short-term financing would be needed for the balance of all three building repair projects.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to recommend that all three roof repair projects be forwarded to the Finance Committee to find funding.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Request of St. Croix Rowing Club to construct temporary storage building:  O’Malley reported that the St. Croix Rowing Club requested permission to construct a temporary storage space at their leased site at 6 St. Croix Street.

He noted there would not be a permanent structure; there would not be a foundation and the canopy would be held in place with weighted bags.  He also pointed out their request to remove some trees in order to install the storage space;  Public Works recommended contacting the DNR.

 

     MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to approve the request of St. Croix Rowing Club to install temporary storage space, contingent on DNR approval for removal of the trees in that area and review by the City Attorney on the need for additional insurance.   All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

    

 

Request of Patt Colten to erect a fence at 804 Vine Street:   Wyland explained that the Public Safety Committee recommended approval of the proposed fence with the condition of review by the City Attorney, assurance that the Fire Department can still obtain access to the Colten property, and that the site be staked by a surveyor.  Fire Chief Jim Frye stated the fence could hinder access to the property and the fire hydrant on Ninth Street and could cause potential difficulties if an incident occurred.  Attorney Munkittrick stated the main legal issue would be fire response to a rental property.  She noted that no certain width was required, and that she would be okay with it if it was acceptable to the Fire Department.  Chief Frye verbalized that he was okay with the plan.

 

MOTION by Wyland, second by Morrissette to approve the request of Patt Colten to erect a fence along the driveway at 804 Vine Street, as submitted.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED. 

 

Update on Projects:  Engineer Chuck Schwartz shared an update on the triple left-hand turn lane on Crest View Drive, noting that the sign base was tested and found to be suitable.  Signal wire changes and concrete work also needs to be done.  The contractor intends to install the sign base on July 16th and when the overhead sign is installed the third left turn lane will be opened. 

 

Mr. Schwartz also called attention to the Lakefront Park Retaining Wall Project and noted that the pathway could be delayed in order to coordinate with the other projects in the park.  He noted his memo on the Hanley Road Pathway Project and the Crest View Drive Mill and Overlay Project.  Additional information was shared regarding the bid openings and awarding of the contracts.  He stated it would be better to do the Hanley Road path earlier in the year for curing.  Morrissette voiced frustration regarding continued project delays.  Mr. Schwartz responded to those concerns.

 

     An update was provided on restorations in the area of Nye and Aldrich Avenue.

 

Review plans and specs and authorize Bonestroo to advertise for bids for the Hanley Road Pathway Improvements Project:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to rescind the action taken June 2nd to delay the Hanley Road Improvements Project, and to authorize Bonestroo to advertise for bids for the project, to be opened July 3rd and possibly awarded at the July 7th Council meeting.  Mayor Knudson stated he had no problem with the timeline for the project.  All ayes, (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

 

 Consider amendments to Municipal Code Chapter 124-5 I re: direct sellers at Council approved events; and Chapter 150-10 re: applications for Special Event Permits – Ordinance No. 5-08:   mayor Knudson voiced concern for some difficulty with the Large Assembly ordinance and recommended changes to allow staff to review the Special Event Permit applications, and to have 30 days for review instead of 20.  He also suggested coordinating the presentation with the applicant so City Staff could hear it all together, instead of at separate meetings.

 

Mayor Knudson also noted the need to streamline the process for Direct Seller permits used at approved events.  He suggested that the event permittee keep a list and make a determination for the suitability of sales at their community event.  The permittee would, 24 hours prior to the event, provide a list of sellers to the City Clerk’s office.  Discussion was held regarding the need for a Wisconsin Seller’s Permit number.   She also shared information on the need to respond to the Special Event Permit application promptly, and advised that 30 days was reasonable.

 

 

 MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance No. 5-08.   Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to adopt the following:

 

ORDINANCE NO. 5-08

Amendments to Municipal Code, Chapter 124-5, Direct Sellers

And Chapter 150-10, Special Event Permit Applications

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Final report from Ad Hoc Facilities Needs Committee:  Wyland shared the final report from the Ad Hoc Facilities Needs Committee.  He stated the purpose and methodology that was used.  Details about the current Police Department facility and the difficulties they experience were noted.  Wyland reported they need 100% more space for office and evidence, as well as garage space.

 

The report also indicated that St. Croix E.M.S. needs an additional 20% more space in order to properly stack their equipment and make it accessible for emergencies. 

 

The Fire Department needs an additional 30% more space to properly stack their equipment, open up the aisles, and make the fire station operate more smoothly.

 

Wyland stated the recommendation of the committee was to find solutions that would provide space for all three departments as soon as possible.  He requested that an outside consultant be used to verify the findings and to proceed with facility layout recommendations and cost estimates.

 

Mayor Knudson and Council members commended Alderperson Wyland and the Staff involved in creating the report.  Discussion involved possible options and the pros and cons of each.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Brokaw, to accept and place on file the report of the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee.  Mayor Knudson offered a temporary storage solution for Departments to consider using space currently available in the Municipal Building.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:  The item of “Consider hiring a consultant to verify the findings of the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee Report and to proceed with facility layout recommendations and cost estimates.”

 

O’Malley requested an agenda item to discuss whether the City Attorney should draft changes to the Municipal Code regarding applicants being current with taxes and any outstanding debt owed to the City, before approval of variances or conditional use permits.

 

  Administrator Devin Willi stated an update was provided on the health insurance consultant, and that they would begin obtaining health information in early July.  He also noted that work on the 2009 Budget would begin in July.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill to adjourn.  All ayes (6).  MOTION CARRIED at 9:28 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