CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF MONDAY, JULY 7, 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, Jim Frye, David Gray, Gordon Conard, Tom Zeuli, Marty Jensen, Jim Schreiber, Chuck Schwartz, Denny Darnold, John Potter, Betty Caruso, Randy Hanson, Tim Erickson, Mary Bowen-Eggebraaten, Tom Holland, Yvonne Larson, Angela Popenhagen, Tom Madigan, and others.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Mayor Knudson called for comments 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

6/16/08.

Barricades requested for block party on 3^rd Street, August 5, 2008: Approve the request to barricade Third Street between St. Croix Street and River Street for a block party on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Approve Ragnar Relay Foot Race on August 22 and 23, 2008: Approve the Ragnar Relay Foot Race on Friday and Saturday, August 22 and 23, 2008.

Consider crosswalk painting at 17^th Street and Laurel Avenue intersection: Approve painting a crosswalk on the north and east side of the 17^th Street and Laurel Avenue intersection, and stop sign line markings painted at all four stop signs at the intersection.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the reports of St. Croix E.M.S. Chief and Parks Dept., and the Community Access Board minutes of 6/24/08.

All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

Claims: MOTION by Burchill, second by Morrissette, to approve the following claims for payment, except for the Bonestroo invoice. It was noted that Chuck Schwartz would contact Burchill to discuss his concerns.

FUND	DESCRIPTION	PAYABLES	PAYROLL	TOTALS
100	General	237,788.41	171,233.33	409,021.74
410	Tax Increment Financing	200,176.35	0.00	200,176.35
450	Capital Projects	49,198.97	0.00	49,198.97
610	Sewer	113,476.49	10,091.08	123,567.57
620	Parking	2,420.65	1,230.24	3,650.89
630	Ambulance	13,715.59	25,503.16	39,218.75
	TOTALS	$616,776.46	$208,057.81	$824,834.27

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

Applications for Operator’s LicenseS: motion by Wyland, second by Bernard, to approve issuance of Operator’s Licenses for the period 7/8/08 through 6/30/10 to the following:

Madeline Rose Beard 16590 Upper 15^th St. S. Lakeland, MN

Jerrolyn Dea Berg 611 Quinnell Ave. N. Lakeland, MN

Sandra K. Berry 146 Dunberry Pass Hudson, WI

Ilan Boico 322 Valley Commons Hudson, WI

Lacy J. Butler W108 1^st Street Spring Valley, WI

Karey Ann E. Colberg 724 South Fork Drive River Falls, WI

Justin Michael Gilmer 427 E. Elm Street River Falls, WI

Debra Kathryn Fox 1019 Sommers St. N. Hudson, WI

Susanne K. Halverson 1021 4^th Street Hudson, WI

Toni Jean Hinz 906 State St. Apt. 104 River Falls, WI

Holly Renee Mason 405 Johnson Street Hammond, WI

Randal Rae Miller 889 Willow Ridge 1 Hudson, WI

Jonathan Eric Oberg 13517 1^st Ave. S. Burnsville, MN

Dana Marie Okerlund 624 Orange Street Hudson, WI

Neil Allan Phillips 1700 Aspen Dr. #4 Hudson, WI

Michael J. Rasmussen 801 Green Street Hudson, WI

Kathryn Mae Rugg 61 Crown Pointe Curve Hudson, WI

Tammy JoAnn Skinner 706 7^th Street S. Stillwater, MN

JoEllen Marie Stevens 2208 Hanley Road #7 Hudson, WI

Sarah Elizabeth Tanner 304 W. 9^th St. Apt. 8 New Richmond, WI

Joshua Michael Weiss 542 Roosevelt Court River Falls, WI

Lynn Ann Williamson 1400 Namekagon Hudson, WI

Angelique Rae Young 2005 Morgan Road River Falls, WI

Qiong Yan Zhang 20 Springbrook Bay Hudson, WI

And to deny the Operator’s license application submitted by Timothy S. Warnken, 814 First Street, Hudson, WI, as recommended by the Police Chief and City Attorney. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids and consider awarding contract for Lakefront Park Irrigation Project: motion by Burchill, second by O’Malley, to approve the bid from Advance Irrigation, Albertville, MN, in the amount of $34,900 for the Lakefront Park Irrigation Project. It was noted that $175,000 was designated for the project in the 2008 bond issue, and that Phase 3 Improvements were also included in that amount. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids and consider awarding contract for Hanley Road Pathway Improvements Project: finance Officer Betty Caruso stated that funds for the project were set aside since 2006, and there was $54,000 in the budget. She noted that $14,000 could not be used for any other project. Mayor Knudson reported that Tower Asphalt had submitted the lowest bid. Information was shared that the Finance Committee had recommended postponing the Mill and Overlay Project on 11^th Street until 2009, and to complete up to $50,000 in repairs for the 2008 Sidewalk/Curb & Gutter Replacement Project.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to approve the bid from Tower Asphalt, Inc. in the amount of $40,032.50 for the Hanley Road Pathway Improvements Project. Discussion was held regarding the need for the pathway to assist handicapped individuals who use that route. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids and consider awarding contract for Street Light Replacement Project: motion by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to approve the bid from TAPCO in the amount of $52,825.20 for the purchase of street light poles, truss arms and luminaries for the Street Light Replacement Project. The removal and installation portion of the project would be done by B & B Electric at a cost of $24,719.75. It was noted that $90,000 was included in the 2008 bond issue for the project. Information was shared regarding the remaining amount of $10,000 that could be used for different projects. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids and consider awarding contract for Prospect Park Restoration Improvements Project: Mayor Knudson explained that the Finance Committee discussed the topic and questioned the urgency of the project. He stated they would retain the funding and would discuss the project again at the next Finance Committee meeting.

Consider funding source for three City roof repair projects: Betty Caruso shared information on the roof repair quotes for City Hall, the Municipal Building and the Public Safety Building. She stated that funding sources were determined for each of the buildings. She also noted that $4,300 for City Hall window repairs could come from the Public Works repair budget. O’Malley pointed out that it would deplete the entire repair account. It was noted that the Finance Committee and staff recommended accepting the lowest bids and proceeding with the repairs on all three buildings.

MOTION by Morrissette, second by Bernard, to approve the Roofing Center quote of $18,915 for the City Hall roof, and a quote for City Hall window replacement with wood and metal wrap from S & P Exteriors in the amount of $4,340, and the quote from North Central Insulation in the amount of $19,166 for the Municipal Building roof repairs and $15,661 for the Public Safety Building roof repairs. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids and consider purchase of Waste oil furnace for Public Works East garage AND Waste oil furnace for Public Works West garage: mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee recommended the purchase of new waste oil heating systems for the East and West City Garages. Ms. Caruso reported that the total cost for both furnaces would be $44,150 and $12,000 was available in the budget, leaving a balance of $32,150. She detailed sources for the additional funds.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve the purchase and installation of two waste oil burning furnaces from Derson Manufacturing, Inc., Watertown, MN for the East and West City Garages, at a cost of $44,150. Discussion was held regarding the furnace costs, funding sources, and the energy savings that would result. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider awarding contract and proceeding with 2008 Mill and Overlay Project and Review bids and consider awarding contract for Crest View Drive Mill and Overlay Project: ms. Caruso explained three different project options presented in her handout. Under Option 1, the mill and overlay on Crest View Drive would be completed from Heggen Street to Carmichael Road. In Option 2, the Crest View Drive project would only be from Industrial to Carmichael Road, and under Option 3, the City would not proceed with the project this year.

Ms. Caruso shared funding information under Option 1 that included using the 2008 Mill and Overlay Project funds ($235,000) less $50,000 for sidewalks and some repairs needed near Redwood Drive. She also stated that $235,000 could come from the Fund Balance, and detailed a one-time accounting adjustment paid to the City by the Water Utility in the amount of $280,000. She also explained the need for an internal Reimbursement Resolution required by the IRS, and noted that the City could reimburse the funds used with bond proceeds next year. Funding information was also shared regarding Option 2, and under Option 3, the Crest View Drive project would be postponed and bonded for next year. It was noted that the Finance Committee recommended pursuing Option 1.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to approve using option 1 for funding the complete project of the Crest View Drive Mill and Overlay Project, (and delay until next year the 2008 Mill and Overlay Project) as presented. O’Malley questioned the need to authorize the Finance Officer to complete the Reimbursement Resolution. Ms. Caruso clarified that she was already given authority to complete the document and place it on file. Discussion included information that the 2008 Mill and Overlay Project funds (which included 11^th Street) would be used this year; it was noted the project could be included in the 2009 bond issue. MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley second by Morrissette, to include approving the bid from Monarch Paving Company in the amount of $725,493.00. Wyland requested that letters be sent to the 11^th Street residents to notify them of the change in the Assessment Roll (for curb and gutter assessments). Discussion was held regarding the need to advertise again for the Sidewalk/Curb and Gutter Replacement Project. Vote taken, all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Request to close First Street from Commercial to Vine Street for Phipps 25^th Anniversary parade on Saturday, July 19, 2008: john Potter, Executive Director of the Phipps Center for the Arts, shared information regarding their request to close First Street from Commercial to Vine Street for a 25^th anniversary parade on July 19^th. He stated that they expect hundreds of people to attend the parade, music and pageant. He also explained that an extra-large puppet would need more room than was originally planned. He reported that a meeting was held with Parks Department staff and the Police Chief concerning the plans for the event and the amount of City staff that would be needed.

MOTION by Wyland, second by Morrissette, to approve the Phipps’ request to close First Street from Commercial Street to Vine Street for approximately one hour on Saturday, July 19, 2008. MOTION AMENDED by Wyland to include contingent on reimbursement by the Phipps for City staff costs for managing the parade route. Morrissette disagreed with the amended motion. Discussion was held regarding charging other non-profits, and that staff time could be arranged with minimal overtime. Additional discussion was held concerning whether approval was needed for an amended motion. Mayor Knudson stated that a separate vote would be taken on the amended motion. Vote on AMENDED MOTION: Ayes (5); Morrissette voted no. MOTION CARRIED. Vote on original MOTION, with the amendment, all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider use of $2,000 from Public Works Contingency Fund for repairs to Siren at Hanley/O’Neil Road: Betty Caruso explained the need to use $2,000 from the $20,000 Public Works Contingency Fund to pay for electrical repairs to the emergency siren in Weitkamp Park. She reported that the claim was submitted to the insurance company, and she would reimburse the Contingency Fund with the insurance payment. MOTION by Burchill, second by O’Malley to approve the staff recommendation to use $2,000 from the $20,000 Public Works Contingency Fund to pay for electrical repairs to the emergency siren at Hanley/O’Neil Road. In response to a question by O’Malley, Ms. Caruso noted that the Public Works Contingency Fund would have a balance of $18,000. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review and consider final draft of Parks and Public Works Director job description, and consider advertising for the position: mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee requested that the job description for the Parks and Public Works Director position be referred to the Park Board and Public Works Committee for additional review and recommendations, and that the job description would be an item on the next Finance Committee agenda.

Consider entering into a service contract for St. Croix E.M.S. to accept payments via credit cards: betty Caruso explained the plan to enter into a one-year contract for collection of ambulance bills through credit card payments. She stated there would be some costs, but payments could occur sooner and a smaller percentage may need to be collected by LifeQuest. Discussion was held on charging a processing fee. Ms. Caruso requested Council approval for a one-year contract, without a service fee. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to authorize the Finance Officer to pursue a one-year contract for the use of credit card payments (to St. Croix E.M.S.) without a service fee. Discussion was held regarding the ability to pay an ambulance bill using installments. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider funding an engineering study for the 11^th Street overpass and HEGGEN STREET intersection: wyland stated this topic was a Public Safety Committee issue. He questioned the possibility of conducting a traffic study for a possible reconfiguration of the 11^th Street/Heggen intersection and overpass. Engineer Chuck Schwartz stated a traffic study could cost between $3,000 and $4,000. It was also noted that the State might have some funds available for improvements. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to postpone an engineering study for the 11^th Street overpass and Heggen Street intersection, due to a lack of funding. Wyland stated the Public Safety Committee would reconsider the matter at their next meeting. Morrissette requested further investigation be done to obtain state funding for the study. It was noted that Bonestroo had recommended a yield sign instead of a stop sign on west-bound Crest View Drive at the Heggen Street intersection. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Barricades requested for block party on Liberty St, July 12, 2008: Morrissette stated that the Liberty Street block party had been cancelled and Council action was not needed.

Update on Projects: Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz provided updated information regarding the triple left-turn lane at the Crest View Drive and Carmichael Road intersection. Discussion was held concerning problems encountered with the sign base, and the deadlines. He stated the need for a Change Order and also noted warranty issues. Lengthy discussion was held on the project cost, numerous delays, how to proceed, and the length of time for completion of the Change Order.

MOTION by Morrissette, second by Brokaw, to authorize a Change Order be issued for the Crest View Drive Triple Left-turn Project, and that it be completed by July 25^th. Discussion was held on meeting the deadline. MORRISSETTE WITHDREW the date from his motion, second by Brokaw. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Schwartz provided information on the Lakefront Park Improvements Project. He recommended that seeding and sodding be done in August for better success. The consensus was to maintain the established dates in the plan and make use of the new irrigation system in the park. The cost of the project was discussed, along with the engineering portion of the charges. Mr. Schwartz stated that the pathway would be paved next week.

Consider walking path from Anderson Park to Hazelcrest Drive: Wyland stated that the Public Safety Committee recommended painting a crosswalk on Mont Croix Drive at the curb cut from Anderson Park to Hazelcrest Drive. MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to approve the Public Safety Committee recommendation to paint a crosswalk on Mont Croix Drive at the curb cut from Anderson Park to Hazelcrest Drive. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Request to reduce speed limit near River Crest Elementary School: Wyland explained the request from the Hudson School District to reduce the speed limit near the new River Crest Elementary School. He stated that the Public Safety Committee preferred to have the 35 mph speed limit at specific times of 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with safety zone sign changes.

School District representatives Tim Erickson and Mary Bowen-Eggegbraaten, plus engineer Angela Popenhagen and Tom Holland indicated their desire to have a fixed 35 mph speed limit. Lengthy discussion was held regarding coordination between the governing agencies and student safety. The location of flashing amber signs was also discussed. The desire to have St. Croix County approval of the plan was noted. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to request the School District representatives to return with more details on their plans concerning student safety. Wyland also requested the need to point out what was missing from a safety aspect. Additional discussion was held regarding the special needs of the City and the school and the need to support the decisions. Mayor Knudson determined that a motion and second were not in place.

MOTION by Wyland, second by Bernard, to move forward with the Public Safety Committee’s recommendation to reduce the speed limit to 35 mph near River Crest Elementary School during peak school hours of 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flashing signage. The motion was also made contingent on agreement by the Town of Troy and St. Croix County. It was noted that the School District was expected to pay for the signage. MOTION AMENDED to add “contingent on the other two jurisdictions to install flashing signs, and that a flashing warning sign be placed on County Road F north of Coulee Trail to reduce the speed limit during the hours noted, and that the School District would be responsible to pay for any improvements, materials and signs.” Additional discussion was held regarding the speed limit in the area, flashing lights, and the possibility of an ordinance change. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider hiring a consultant to verify the findings of the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee Report, and proceed with facility layout recommendations and cost estimates: wyland stated his desire to proceed and verify the findings of the Ad Hoc Committee. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to authorize the Ad Hoc Committee to seek Requests for Proposals to get costs and proposals regarding facility layouts. MOTION AMENDED that the Finance Committee would seek RFPs to retain a consultant to verify the Ad Hoc Committee recommendations and proceed with cost estimates. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider awarding contract and proceeding with 2008 Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter Replacement Project – Final Resolution No. 9-08 re: Special Assessments: mayor Knudson noted the need to rebid the Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Replacement Project and that action on this item would be postponed.

Consider possible changes to Municipal Code regarding outstanding debt owed to the City, and authorize City Attorney to review and draft an ordinance: O’Malley stated that this could be similar to a recent resolution regarding Direct Seller licenses and liquor licenses (NOTE: Ordinance No. 5-08, re: Direct Sellers, Transient Merchants and Solicitors, and Large Assemblies) that require applicants to be current on taxes owed before staff spends time on their application approval process.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Brokaw, to authorize the City Attorney to investigate possible ordinance changes regarding issuance of Conditional Use Permits, variances, or changes to Conditional Use Permits. Mayor Knudson clarified that the MOTION would be “to authorize the City Attorney to consider possible changes to the Municipal Code regarding outstanding debt owed to the City, and authorize the City Attorney to review and draft an ordinance.” O’Malley noted that this would follow the same requirements recently adopted regarding Direct Seller and liquor license (Large Assembly) applications. Attorney Munkittrick shared some background information she already completed on the topic, and noted that variances already require fees to be paid prior to review of applications. Concern was raised on the possibility of court challenges. O’Malley reminded that he was asking Council to authorize the City Attorney to look into the matter further. Ayes (5); Bernard voted no. MOTION CARRIED.

Consider request of Ryan & Christa Doyle for easement agreement to construct a fence at 70 Canary Way: assistant Building Inspector David Gray explained the request of Ryan and Christa Doyle for an easement agreement to construct a fence. He stated there was a storm sewer on the property with catch basins and the fence would not interfere. Staff recommended approval. Mr. Gray also noted that the applicants were willing to execute and record the Easement Agreement. MOTION by Morrissette, second by Burchill, to approve entering into an Easement Agreement with Ryan & Christa Doyle to construct a fence at 70 Canary Way. Discussion was held concerning the possibility of future easement agreement topics to be first discussed by the Plan Commission. Mr. Gray stated that the Public Works Committee could also be considered as a starting point. Mayor Knudson stated he would determine which committee should review the topic when it comes up again. Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MAYOR: Mayor Knudson expressed appreciation for the Hudson Booster Club and their fantastic job during the Booster Days event. He noted the need to support them and their efforts.

Mayor Knudson stated that prior to the next meeting, a working draft document would be provided concerning the status of the committee (that has been meeting to consider amending the Joint Library Agreement). O’Malley inquired whether it would be available for the July 14^th Joint Library Board meeting, and Mayor Knudson responded that it would be.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: City Administrator Devin Willi provided an update report on current issues and stated he would do so on a regular basis.

MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley to adjourn. All ayes (6). MOTION CARRIED at 9:47 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