CITY OF HUDSON COMMONO COUNCIL MINUTES OF JULY 6, 2010.
Meeting called to order by Mayor Dean Knudson in the
Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:05 p.m.
Mayor Knudson led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Present: Mayor Knudson and Alderpersons Randy
Morrissette, Mary Yacoub, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley, Alan Burchill. Absent: Alderperson
Lori Bernard was excused. OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Tom
Zeuli, Randy Hanson, Chuck Schwartz, Gordon Conard, Dolly Qualls, Eric Christensen,
Jason Gruber, Lt. Paul Larson, 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 O’Malley, second by Yacoub to
approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes: Approve the Regular meeting minutes of
6/21/10 and Special meeting and Closed Session minutes of 6/14/10. Claims: Approve the following claims for payment: FUND DESCRIPTION PAYABLES PAYROLL TOTALS 100 General 99,237.57 169,431.71 268,669.28 450 Capital
Projects 17,251.87 0.00 17,251.87 490 Biosolids 0.00 0.00 0.00 610 Sewer 52,806.70 11,473.02 64,279.72 620 Parking 1,410.85 1,172.20 2,583.05 630 Ambulance 21,897.17 28,609.41 50,506.58 Totals 192,604.16 210,686.34 403,290.50 Applications for Operator’s Licenses:
Approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s
Licenses for the period 07/7/10 to 6/30/12 to: Brittany
D. Anderson 412 Second St. Apt. 4 Hudson, WI Kevin
B. Andert 4320 Arden View Ct. Arden Hills, MN Madeline
R. Beard 16590 Upper 15th
St.S. Lakeland, MN Ilan
Boico 322 Valley Commons Hudson, WI Whitney
W. Brand 3438 Columbus Ave #2 Minneapolis, Mn Jeremy
D. Churchill 2217 Homestead Ave. Oakdale, MN Anthony
P. Farinella 25170 Yellowstone Trail Shorewood, MN C’Anne
L. Heckler W3411 730th
Avenue Spring Valley, WI DeAnna
M. Hines N6745 750th
Street Beldenville, WI Jesse
D. Hoffman 1116 8th
Street Hudson, WI Michael
D. Holmquist 701 Monroe St. N. Apt.
2 Hudson, WI Jaime
L. Huston 514 10th
Street N. Hudson, WI Matthew
M. Kampmeyer 260 Salem Church Rd. Sunfish Lake, MN Justin
M. King 1187 St. Paul Avenue St. Paul, MN Chris
P. Lowy 42 Farrell St. N. Maplewood, MN Lacy
N. Mason 1801 Industrial
St.#4 Hudson, WI Melody
J. Messerich 1285 Barston Lane 3 River Falls, WI Pamela
K. Metzler 77 Coulee Rd. #227 Hudson, WI Tracey
J. Nelson 2110 Legion Lane N. Lake Elmo, MN Betsy
MJ O’Keefe N5730 Hwy 63 Ellsworth, WI Taylor
Jo Reiners 1352 Northridge Court Hastings, MN Kathryn
M. Rugg 1409 Tall Grass Road Hudson, WI Joseph
A. Schmahl 215 W. Cedar St. #3 River Falls, WI Nicholas
M. Sierzant 821½ First Street Hudson, WI Tammy
J. Skinner 706 7th
Street S. Stillwater, MN John
W. Tully 719 W. Division St. River Falls, WI April
M. Utech 980 65th
Avenue Roberts, WI Erwin
J. Utech 980 65th
Avenue Roberts, WI Lisa
D. Valentine 308 Willow Street #6 Somerset, WI Christopher
S. Wiechert 1577 Clear Ave. St.
Paul, MN Kelsey
M. Williams 1056 County M River Falls, WI Qiong
Y. Zhang 1816 Lillian Drive Hudson, WI And
issuance of Temporary Operator’s
Licenses to be used during the Hudson Hockey Association 3-on-3 event on
7/10/10 to: Karen R. Drewiske, 529 Omaha Road, Hudson, and Jodi A. Weinfurter,
532 Omaha Road, Hudson, WI. Consider
adding Special Care Transport rate for St. Croix E.M.S. Approve St.
Croix E.M.S. implementing a Special Care Transport rate of $1,425, as
recommended by the EMS Commission. Application
of Scott J. Furlong for Amusement Device License d/b/a Leisure Entertainment,
and permits for 5 amusement devices at Pudge’s: Approve the
issuance of an Amusement Device License to Scott J. Furlong, and permits for
five amusement devices located at Pudge’s. Consider
donation of Hudson Daybreak Rotary Club for a clock to be installed at First
and Walnut Street: Approve
accepting the clock donation from the Hudson Daybreak Rotary Club, and
accepting the easement agreement proposed by Ronald F. Gagnon, President, Old
Town Waters Edge, LLC, for City installation, construction and maintenance of the solar clock, flower bed, retaining
wall and two benches at the southeast
corner of First and Walnut Streets. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, and COMMISSIONS: Place on file the
Quarterly report of the Police Chief, the semi-annual report of the Compliance Officer,
and the Community Access Board minutes of 6/21/10. Roll call vote taken.
All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED. Consider expenditures for updating the
City/Chamber information signs: Mayor Knudson shared information about the
Chamber of Commerce grant for updating the City/Chamber signage throughout the
City. He noted they reserved space for
the City to add interest and directional signs.
Additional information was shared regarding the approximate
cost, procurement policy, contractors, funding, topics to be included on the
signs, and the desire for installation at some point. The Finance Committee recommendation was
discussed. MOTION by Wyland, second by Burchill to approve up to $1380.00
for directional signage, with City Staff to determine if the sign proposals
were similar, and which contactor to utilize.
Additional discussion was held concerning quality, price, and sign
providers. MOTION AMENDED to change the
amount to up to $2400.00; Burchill did not provide a second. MOTION RETRACTED. MOTION by Wyland to approve up to $2400.00 to be spent on the
Welcome to Hudson signs and that the Departments can choose the best contractor
based on look, availability, and weathering.
Mayor Knudson offered additional information about the contractors and
pricing that was included in the packets.
He called for a second three times, none was given. MOTION FAILED. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Yacoub to prepare a comprehensive
specification sheet with the City Departments involved, advertise for bids, and
return to Council for approval.
Discussion was held regarding the grant money received by the Chamber of
Commerce. All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED. Consider rejecting the proposal from
the League of Wisconsin Municipalities to join the Urban Alliance: Mayor Knudson shared information about the
League of Wisconsin Municipalities regarding the creation of a new Urban
Alliance, for members with populations of 10,000 or more. He noted an additional dues surcharge would be
charged. The Finance Committee
recommended not participating. MOTION by
Morrissette, second by O’Malley to reject participating in the new Urban
Alliance. All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED. Consider using and developing
approximately 10 acres of Outlot 1 in Hudson
meadows as a city park: Mayor noted the topic was a complex
issue; he provided a description of the property as well as information
regarding use by the Water Department as a well treatment site. Additional information was shared about the
terms in an Agreement that was negotiated between the homeowners association, the
Water Department, and the City. The
involvement of the Parks Department was also noted. Mayor Knudson stated the Water Department would be constructing
a picnic pavilion, upgrading the driveway, providing three parking stalls, and
then turn those features over to the City.
He questioned whether a minimal park facility should be created there. He stated his recommendation was to use and
develop the southerly ten acres of the property as a park with not more than
two acres to be mowed, leaving the rest in a natural state. He stated the Finance Committee held lengthy
discussion on the topic and the costs involved.
MOTION by Morrissette, second by Yacoub to approve the recommendation
of the Mayor and Finance Committee to develop the southerly ten acres of Outlot
1 of Hudson Meadows as a park, with not more than two acres (around the
pavilion) to be mowed, and leaving the rest in a natural state, and upon
completion the City should accept the responsibility for maintenance of the
pavilion, driveway, and parking spaces on the ten acres, and ask the Park Board
for a recommendation on naming the park.
Lengthy discussion was held regarding mowing and other costs,
the agreement with the homeowners association, impact fees, and Park Department
involvement. The question was called and
the motion was reviewed. Ayes (3); Noes
(2) - O’Malley and Burchill, MOTION
CARRIED. Consider other options and costs for
lawn mowing of City ROW and trails: Mayor
Knudson reviewed how the mowing process had changed in the past few years, from
the City doing the mowing to contracting out for services. He stated the areas that were contracted out
included ditches and road rights-of-way, parking lot areas, property around City
buildings, and trails and parks. He
explained that at the end of the 2009 mowing contract, both contractors
requested extending their contracts for 2010.
It was announced that Becker Lawn Mowing Services had submitted
a letter of termination for their 2010 contractual mowing services. Mayor Knudson stated the City may or may not
have any legal action, and it would be a separate consideration. He stated seasonal part-time City staff has
begun mowing, with funding from the $9,304.00 that remains in the budget. Additional information was shared regarding the possibility of
separating out portions of St. Croix Business Park, considering two quotes for
finishing the remainder of the contract, and the number of hours it would take
to complete the mowing. The Finance
Committee recommended using Public Works staff and equipment to continue to mow
and maintain the City’s rights—of-way and trails, to obtain additional bids or
seek options to maintain certain areas of the City in a more economical manner,
and to stay within the Public Works budget for these tasks. MOTION by Morrissette, second by Burchill to approve utilization
of part-time seasonal staff and City equipment for the remainder of the 2010
mowing season, with the aspect of taking in other bids (for mowing services). Discussion
was held regarding budgeting, costs, lower cost options, equipment, contracting
for services, and staff time. All ayes
(5) MOTION CARRIED. Consider renewal of alcoholic beverage
licenses for 2010-2011: MOTION by Wyland, second
by O’Malley to renew the alcohol beverage licenses for the 2010-2011 license
period for Timm LaDolce Vita, LLC and Grubs Pizzeria & Eatery Inc. All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED. Consider participation in
Pharmaceutical Take Back Program:
Mayor Knudson provided background information regarding the
establishment of a pharmaceutical take back program that has been proposed. He stated the topic is being considered by
the Hudson Police Department and area law enforcement agencies to provide
residents with a location to dispose of pharmaceutical products they no longer
need or are outdated. Disposal would be done
in a safe and environmentally friendly way.
The cost of the program is unknown at this time. Police Chief Marty Jensen asked for approval to proceed with the
program. Dolly Qualls spoke regarding
the possible costs and estimated it would be around $2,000.00 per year. She
also shared information about reducing the waste packaging, and separating the
controlled substances from the uncontrolled substances. Information was provided about the program
through Veolia Waste Services, and having volunteers sort the products. Wyland stated he was interested in making the public aware that
the program was being considered. Mayor
noted the City would be the first municipality in St. Croix County to implement
the program. Discussion was held
regarding who would be allowed to use the drop-off, the welded container
system, and the possibility of the townships and St. Croix County sharing in the costs. MOTION by Wyland, second by O’Malley to
pursue the pharmaceutical take back program, build out specifics about how to
manage the program, and bring the topic back to Council. Yacoub asked about the possibility of
obtaining grant funding and requested that option be explored. All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED. Approve 2010 Capital Outlay Budget and authorize City Administrator
to proceed with short term financing: Mayor Knudson stated the 2010 Capital Outlay
budget and short term financing options were presented at the June 21, 2010
meeting, and authorization to proceed was needed. The Finance Committee recommended approval of
the 2010 Capital Outlay Budget of $750,000 (copy attached), as presented, and
to authorize the City Administrator to proceed with short-term financing. Mayor
Knudson shared information about changes that were included. Discussion was held regarding repairs to the
Walnut Street bridge. MOTION by
O’Malley, second by Wyland to accept the 2010 Capital Outlay budget in the
amount of $750,000 and authorize the City Administrator to proceed with short-term
financing for funding. All ayes (5)
MOTION CARRIED. Consider
accepting or rejecting bids for Weitkamp Park Pavilion Project: Mayor Knudson stated bids for the Weitkamp
Park pavilion were received and reviewed by staff and the Public Works Committee. He stated the low bid was from Braden
Construction. Information was shared
regarding the base bid amount and alternate bid amounts. MOTION by O’Malley,
second by Burchill to approve the $252,450 base bid from Braden Construction for
the Weitkamp Park Pavilion Project, and to include alternates 1, 2, 5, 6, and
7, for an additional $35,852.00. Discussion was held regarding the use of
natural wood for some of the fascia/trim work, as recommended by the
architect. The use of impact fee money
for the project was also noted. All ayes
(5) MOTION CARRIED. Update
on Projects: Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz presented
information regarding the WISDOT STP application being submitted to the County
for the Wisconsin Street Project; he noted a decision should be received by
October. He also shared information
about a Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program. 2009 Street
Improvements: A coordinating onsite
meeting with MN DOT pavement specialist to review the seal coat problems in the
Bieneman Farm and St. Croix Business Park areas will be held July 9th. Monitoring of the seal coat will continue,
and minor crack filling will be discussed with the contractor. Letters will be sent regarding the need to
replace some sod at residences on 11th Street. Morrissette
requested information about the cracks on Crest View Drive. Mr. Schwartz explained cracking issues. Disallowance
of claim of Kathy and Lowell Norden/National Subrogation Services – Resolution
No. 11-10: MOTION by Morrissette, second by Yacoub to
suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 11-10 to disallow the claim
of Kathy and Lowell Norden/National Subrogation Services. Roll Call vote taken, All ayes (5) MOTION
CARRIED. MOTION by
Morrissette, second by O’Malley to adopt the following: RESOLUTION NO.
11-10 DISALLOWANCE OF
CLAIM OF NATIONAL
SUBROGATION SERVICES AND/OR KATHY AND
LOWELL NORDEN (Copy on file in
Clerk’s office) Discussion was held regarding the inspections
and the insurance carrier’s opinion that no City negligence was found. All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED. COMMUNICATIONS
AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: None. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION
by O’Malley, second by Yacoub to adjourn the meeting. All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED at 9:45 p.m. Nancy J. Korson, City Clerk
COMMUNICATIONS
AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MAYOR:
Mayor Knudson announced the new location (700 First Street) for the
Hudson Area Joint Library, which opened for business on July 6th; he
encouraged people to visit. He also
commented that the Booster Days event had a fantastic turnout and fireworks
display.
CLOSED SESSION pursuant to §19.85(1)(g), Wis. Stats.
to confer with legal counsel regarding strategy to be adopted with respect to
the pending litigation of Lifeline Systems d/b/a LifeQuest vs. City of Hudson,
and to confer with legal counsel regarding strategy relating to litigation in
which the City is involved regarding the Council decision on the Sharon Horne
Ellstrom LLC liquor license renewal:
Mayor Knudson announced Closed Session was being held pursuant to Wis.
Stats. 19.85 (1)(G) to confer with legal counsel regarding strategy to be
adopted with respect to the pending litigation of Lifeline Systems d/b/a
LifeQuest vs. City of Hudson, and to confer with legal counsel regarding
strategy relating to litigation in which the City is involved regarding the Council
decision on the Sharon Horne Ellstrom LLC liquor license renewal. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Yacoub to
convene into closed session as announced by Mayor Knudson. All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED at 8:32 p.m.
Reconvene in Open Session: MOTION
by O’Malley, second by Yacoub to reconvene into open session. All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED at 9:45 p.m. (Topic was not discussed.)