CITY OF HUDSOM COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF AUGUST 2, 2010

 

     Meeting called to order by Mayor Dean Knudson in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:03 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.

 

     OTHERS PRESENT:  Catherine Munkittrick, Denny Darnold, Tom Zeuli, Chuck Schwartz, Lieutenant Paul Larson, Randy Hanson, John Rask, 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:  Approve the Regular meeting minutes and Closed Session minutes of 7/19/10.

 

     Claims:  Approve the following claims for payment:

 

FUND

DESCRIPTION

PAYABLES

PAYROLL

TOTALS

100

General

61,523.83

175,727.85

237,251.68

450

Capital Projects

96,672.63

0.00

96,672.63

610

Sewer

695.16

10,907.36

11,602.52

620

Parking

720.33

1,044.60

1,764.93

630

Ambulance

6,486.11

26,193.28

32,679.39

 

Totals

166,098.06

213,873.09

379,971.15

 

     Applications for Operator’s Licenses:  Approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 08/03/10 to 6/30/12 to:

 

Kristin S. Briggs          1112 Michaelson St. N.     Hudson, WI

Christina M. Dehart        14843 60th St.N. Apt.#9    Stillwater, MN

Douglas R. Delameter       615 4th Street             Hudson, WI

Alejandro Fuentes          745 Hallstrom Drive        Red Wing, MN

Jonathan Gordian           745 Hallstrom Drive        Red Wing, MN

Mary K. Haroldson          1900 Aspen Dr. Apt. 102    Hudson WI

Julie A. Kruschwitz        942 Alexander Road         Woodbury, MN

Krista L. Stock            1255 Junction Avenue       Maplewood, MN

Danielle M. Wojicik        10675 110th St. N.         Stillwater, MN

 

And issuance of Temporary Operator’s Licenses to be used during the St. Patrick’s Fall Festival October 1-3, 2010 to:

 

John G. Adrian             P.O. Box                   Lakeland, MN

Dale G. Simmons            585 Cty Rd. N.             Hudson, WI

Melissa M. Simmons         585 County Road N.         Hudson, WI

Camilla J. Westerdahl      1040 Town Hall Drive       River Falls, WI

Brent A. Wilen             591 Spurline Circle        Hudson, WI

Patti J. Wilen             591 Spurline Circle        Hudson, WI

 

Consider installation of a street light at the corner of Trillium Way and Foxglove Way:   Approve installation of a street light on the southeast corner of Trillium Way and Foxglove Way, to be funded from the developer’s reserve fund for such improvements.

 

     Consider overnight and boat trailer parking restrictions in the municipal parking lot at 700 First Street:  Designate parking restrictions in the parking lot at 700 First Street of “No Parking” from 2:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. and also no boat trailer parking.

 

     REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS:  Place on file the Quarterly report of the City Clerk, and the unapproved Community Access Board minutes of 7/27/10, and the Joint Fire Board minutes of 7/14/10.

 

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

 

     Consider amending the Conditional Use Permit for the Red Cedar Canyon planned residential development to add two one-family residential lots abutting the proposed northerly extension of Bayberry Court, increasing the number of one-family lots in that area from 13 to 15 – Hans Hagen Homes:  Denny Darnold stated the Plan Commission recommended approval of the request by Hans Hagen Homes to amend the Conditional Use Permit.  He noted a public hearing was held with the Plan Commission on June 22, 2010, three people were present; only Mr. John Rask from Hans Hagen Homes spoke.  Mr. Rask was also present to answer any questions. 


     Mr. Darnold stated the lots are still the minimum size of 65 feet as proposed by the Master Plan in 2000.  Mayor Knudson stated it seems that there is a desire lately for more house and slightly less lot size.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley to amend the Conditional Use Permit for the Red Cedar Canyon Planned Residential Development to add two one-family residential lots within the area of the proposed northerly extension of Bayberry Court,  increasing the total number of lots from 13 to 15.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Final plat for Red Cedar Canyon Bayberry Court East, nine one-family residential lots abutting the proposed northerly extension of Bayberry Court (north of East canyon Drive) – Hans Hagen Homes:  Denny Darnold stated the Plan Commission recommended approval of the final plat of Red Cedar Canyon Bayberry Court East, for nine one-family residential lots,  and noted the need for a development agreement and letter of credit or other form of security to assure the completion of the street and utility work.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill to approve the final plat of Red Cedar Canyon Bayberry Court East for nine one-family residential lots, pending completion of a Developer’s Agreement with the City and that surety needs to be provided for proposed costs (125% of the estimated construction value of the street and utility costs).  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Consider options for Finance Officer position:  City Administrator Devin Willi presented information regarding two options that could be considered for the vacant Finance Officer position.  Option One would be to fill the position.  Option Two involved the possibilities of shifting duties between himself and staff and hiring an entry level account clerk, and suggested this could be on a trial basis until the end of the year.  He also noted this is a slower time of year, and it may become obvious later if the work load is too great.  He stated a temporary clerical position is in place until the end of the year to cover the Utility billing clerk’s position while she is on leave, and should be able to assist with some duties.

 

     Mayor Knudson stated the Finance Committee recommended proceeding with Option Two, for the distribution of duties until the end of the year, and noted a potential time frame if the position were to be filled, as in Option One.

 

     MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to approve proceeding with Option Two, as presented, for filling the Finance Officer’s position and re-assigning duties to existing staff until the end of the year, as recommended by Finance Committee.  Discussion was held regarding the need to compensate the staff who is taking on additional duties in the meantime.  Mr. Willi advised that the clerical staff could be considered later for re-classification if the changes are done on a permanent basis, and that an additional clerical position may be needed.   All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Consider proceeding to fill vacancy in 2nd floor Receptionist/Account Clerk position:  Mayor Knudson stated the Finance Committee discussed the vacancy in the 2nd floor Receptionist/Account Clerk position.  He stated they recommended having more staff input, and directed Mr. Willi to review it further, during the next two weeks.  He noted the desire to use other existing clerks that are already in City Hall.  Mayor Knudson noted the goal was to continue to provide excellent customer service with the most streamlined efficient structure possible. Ms. Magle’s retirement will be effective October 6, 2010.  The topic would be considered again at the August 16, 2010 meeting.  The Finance Committee postponed action and kept the topic at that level; no further action was needed by Council at the meeting.

 

     DNR Grant requirements for recording of deed restrictions re: Prospect Park – Resolution No 14-10:  Mayor Knudson stated the Finance Committee discussed the DNR grant for funds to offset the purchase costs of Prospect Park.  He noted the $50,000 grant money included some deed restrictions in order to receive the second half of the grant money. 

 

     The possibility of having the deed restrictions lifted, at some point, so the park could be used in some other way, was noted.  Mayor Knudson stated since there are no plans to use the park in any other way, he recommended proceeding with recording the deed restrictions so the grant money can be obtained.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 14-10.  Roll call vote taken.  Ayes (5) No (1-Morrissette) MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by Wyland second by O’Malley to adopt the following:

 

Resolution No. 14-10

Adoption of the DnR Grant requirements for

recording of deed restrictions regarding Prospect Park

(Copy on file in the Clerk’s office)

 

     Mayor Knudson provided background information regarding the grant and explained what the park can and can’t be used for; it must be for passive use.  He also noted the possibility of substituting other park land to meet the restrictions, if at some point a change of use is desired.  Morrissette voiced his objection for use of the grant money, due to the restrictions the DNR placed on the land.  Ayes (5), Morrissette voted No -  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review bids and consider awarding contract for 2010 Street Improvements Project:  Mayor Knudson stated the three topics for 2010 contracts for improvements could be discussed as a group, and motions made could be made separately.  He explained the bid amounts that were received for the Street Maintenance,  Mill and Overlay,  and Sidewalk/Curb/Gutter Replacement projects.  A spreadsheet document with the project amounts was reviewed, and the Finance Committee recommendations were noted.  The budgetary constraints, use of trap rock, special assessments, procurement policy requirements, and the bid numbers were also discussed.

 

     Two bids for the 2010 Street Improvement Project were received.  The low bid was from Fahrner Asphalt. Staff and the Finance Committee recommended approval of the Base bid and Alternates A & D (less Stageline Road), and to negotiate the epoxy paint and quantities.

 

     MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill to award the 2010 Street Improvement Project to Fahrner Asphalt for the Base bid, Alternate A, and Alternate D (less Stageline Road) at a cost not to exceed $174,991.80.  Discussion included information that staff has been advised that the budget has been adjusted to $163,321.00 (not including engineering costs) and not to exceed that amount without additional approval. All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED. 

 

     Review bids and consider awarding contract for 2010 Mill and Overlay Project:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to award the Mill and Overlay project to Monarch Paving in the amount of $158,524.85.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Review bids and consider awarding contract for 2010 Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Replacement Project:  MOTION by Bernard, second by Yacoub to award the 2010 Sidewalk, Curb, & Gutter project to Willow River Construction in the amount of $65,335.00.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

     application of american safe & sober transit, LLC for taxicab service license:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to schedule a Public Hearing for August 16, 2010 regarding the Taxicab Service License application of American Safe & Sober Transit LLC.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Consider installation of a stop sign on the northeast corner of Trillium Way at Foxglove Way:  Mayor Knudson stated the stop and yield sign policy should be followed, it was attached to the issue sheet.  He read the specific criteria about when a sign may be warranted and stated one or more of the criteria needed to be met.  He also noted when stop sign installation is normally not recommended, including solely for the purpose of controlling vehicular speed.  The Manual on Uniform Control Devices for Streets and Highways (M.U.T.C.D.) is also used in making determinations, and stop signs should not be placed on major arterials or thoroughfares.  (A map is available to show those areas.)

 

     Mayor Knudson noted that the policy states that requests should be evaluated by the City of Hudson engineering staff and Police Department.  Alderperson Morrissette stated the request was discussed at the Public Safety Committee; they talked about the policy and recommended approval of the stop sign according to the policy.  He also noted there was no objection by the Police Department. 

 

     MOTION by Morrissette, second by Yacoub to approve installation of a stop sign on the northeast corner of Trillium Way at Foxglove Way.  Alderperson Yacoub shared information about the area where the stop sign and street light are being requested.  She noted the street was the only entrance to Foxglove Way and is used for crossing the road to reach the bus stop.

 

     Additional discussion was held regarding the discussions held during the Public Safety Committee meeting, and documentation in their minutes.  Mayor Knudson stated key items should be included in the minutes; he felt they were covered in the Public Safety Committee meeting, so Council could consider the stop sign request.  O’Malley stated the entire Council should have the information available about the Police Department’s opinion on the issue, and the minutes should reflect that.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

     update on projects:  Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz reported on the 2009 Street Improvement Project.  He stated that the contractor worked throughout the night of July 28, 2010 to repair crack filling work that was deficient on Laurel Ave, 17th Street, 3rd Street, and Crest View Drive.  He noted that Scott Construction has agreed to repair the Bieneman Farm area with a fog seal.  Coal slag will also be spread to increase friction and durability.  He provided additional information about the process they will be using, and stated he would observe the work when it occurs next week.

 

     Mr. Schwartz also confirmed that the DOT had received the City’s application for the Wisconsin Street Project.  Mayor Knudson asked about not requiring curb at the 17th Street side of the Goodwill building location; he noted drainage seemed to be a problem since the curb was not installed, and there is standing water from use of the irrigation system. Mr. Schwartz stated they are going to do the best they can with it, and noted additional work will likely be done there in a couple of years.

 

     Special Assessments for 2010 Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Replacement Project – Preliminary Resolution No. 12-10:  MOTION by Morrissette, second by Burchill to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution 12-10.  Roll call vote taken.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by Morrissette second by O’Malley to adopt the following:

 

Preliminary Resolution No. 12-10

consider special assessments for

2010 Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Replacement Project

 

(Copy on file in the Clerk’s office)

 

Discussion was held regarding the process of determining which sidewalks are to be repaired; some examples were shared of reasons sidewalks need repair.  Mayor Knudson provided information about the process of budgeting for projects, holding a public hearing, and final approval.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Special Assessments for curb and gutter replacements in 2010 Mill and Overlay Project – Preliminary Resolution No. 13-10:  MOTION by Burchill, second by O’Malley to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution 13-10.  Roll call vote taken; all ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by O’Malley second by Bernard to adopt the following:

 

Preliminary Resolution No. 13-10

consider Special Assessments for

Curb and getter replacements in 2010 Mill and Overlay Project

 

(Copy on file in the Clerk’s office)

 

     Public Works and Park Director Tom Zeuli provided information about the locations of the curb and gutter portions. He noted two large commercial sections were included and shared information about the condition of the curbs.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Communications and recommendations of the mayor/Memo to Council re: committees and city staff issues:  Mayor Knudson commented that with the Mayor/Council/Committee form of government used in the City, details pertaining to the functions of the Departments are looked at.  He noted Council members should not give directions on day-to-day staff operations; he advised to try not to micro-manage the Departments.  He noted that asking questions, having discussion, and gathering information from the Departments can be done. If action is needed, it should be discussed during a Committee meeting and referred to the Council.  He stated the City Administrator, Mayor, or Department Heads would give direction to Staff about what should be done. 

 

     The Wisconsin League of Municipalities Handbook for Municipal Officials can be consulted (page 158) for additional information.  Mayor Knudson invited people to talk with him further if they wish.   

  

     COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:  None.

 

     ADJOURNMENT:  MOTION by Wyland, second by Bernard to adjourn the meeting.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED at 7:55 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