CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 2007

Meeting called to order by Mayor Jack Breault in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Breault led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

PRESENT: Mayor Breault and Alderpersons Randy Morrissette, Paul Radermacher, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley and Alan Burchill.

ABSENT: Alderperson Dennis O’Connell.

OTHERS PRESENT: Betty Caruso, Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Randy Hanson, Terry Walker, Terry Pirius, Tom Zeuli, Chuck Schwartz, Angela Popenhagen, Gordon Conard, Michael Miller, Mark Mouledoux, Tim Erickson, and others.

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

CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION by Radermacher, second by Wyland, to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

MINUTES: Approve the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting minutes and Closed Session minutes of 7/16/07.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

FUND	DESCRIPTION	PAYABLES	PAYROLL	TOTALS
100	General	494,808.42	160,273.35	655,081.77
410	Tax Increment Financing	27,446.82	0.00	27,446.82
450	Capital Projects	161,425.29	0.00	161,425.29
610	Sewer	21,098.29	10,730.28	31,828.57
620	Parking Utility	2,787.28	1,075.18	3,862.46
630	Ambulance	10,073.27	23,413.62	33,486.89
	TOTALS	$717,639.37	$195,492.43	$913,131.80

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 8/7/07 through 6/30/09 to:

Donald A. Fowell, Jr. 214 13^th Street Hudson, WI

Jevon J. Schoeck 825 Fox Tree Lane N. Hudson, WI

Robert N. Virnig 407 11^th Ave. S.W. Forest Lake, MN

Request for 2^nd annual Ragnar Relay from Lacrosse to Minneapolis, with Runner Exchange Site in Lakefront Park on Saturday, August 25, 2007: Approve the request of the Ragnar Relay Race to hold the Leg 22 Runner Exchange Site in Lakefront Park on 8/25/07 between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the Quarterly reports of the City Clerk, Library Director, and Parks Department, and the Hudson/North Hudson Community Access Board minutes of 7/24/07.

Roll call vote, ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED.

Resolution No. 17-07, discontinuance of the unimproved right-of-way of Barstow Street, west of Union Pacific Railroad – Terry Walker, 1321 8^th Street: Mayor Breault stated that the Plan Commission recommended approval of the request by Terry Walker referenced in Resolution No. 17-07. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to schedule a Public Hearing for 6:55 p.m. on Monday, September 17, 2007 regarding Resolution No. 17-07, the proposed discontinuance of unimproved right-of-way of Barstow Street. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Final development plans for River Crest Elementary School, 535 CTH F – School District of Hudson: Mayor Breault reported that the Plan Commission and Staff recommended approval of the final development plans for the new elementary school. Representatives from the School District and the project engineers were present to answer any questions. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve the final development plans for the River Crest Elementary School, contingent on the plans to be amended per the City Engineer’s recommendations. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Application of Badger Hospitality, Inc. for Reserve Class B liquor/Class B Beer d/b/a Green Mill Restaurant, 2410 Gateway Court: mayor Breault explained that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the reserve liquor license, which included a $10,000 license fee. MOTION by Morrissette, second by Radermacher, to approve issuance of a Reserve Class B liquor/Class B Beer license to Badger Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Green Mill Restaurant at 2410 Gateway Court. MOTION AMENDED by Morrissette, second by Radermacher, to include contingent upon surrender of the current license from Northstar Hospitality, LLC. and completion of the sale of the property. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids, determine financing, and consider awarding contract for Crest View Drive and Carmichael Road Triple Turn Lane Project: mayor Breault announced that the Finance Committee recommended awarding the contract for the triple left-turn lane project on Crest View Drive to Carmichael Road, and the Finance Officer had identified the funding source. MOTION by Radermacher, second by Burchill, to approve the bid of $232,402.45 and award the contract to Pember Companies, Inc. for the Crest View Drive and Carmichael Road Intersection Improvements Project. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids, determine financing, and consider awarding contract for Coulee Road and 11^th Street Intersection Improvements Project: MOTION by Morrissette, second by Burchill, to approve the bid and award the contract to Zappa Brothers, Inc. in the amount of $94,911.60 for the 11^th Street and Coulee Road Intersection Improvements Project. Discussion included information that a left turn lane to the east would be included and additional review would be needed regarding the driveway of an adjacent property. Engineer Chuck Schwartz explained that during the pre-construction meeting, a mutually agreeable plan would be found. He also stated that there could be a slight increase in cost, due to possible changes with the driveway, but it wouldn’t be significant. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids and consider awarding contract for Tree and Stump Removal Services: public Works Lead Employee Tom Zeuli reviewed the two options included in the bids for Tree and Stump Removal services. He noted that two bids were submitted, and explained that the service only involves diseased trees. He also reported that the Public Works Department used the bucket truck to handle most of the tree-trimming that is needed, so the hourly rate included in the bids would not be a big factor. Mr. Zeuli stated that the contract would be for a one-year period, and the current budget would allow for removal of 50 trees using Option 1, or 70 trees if Option 2 was chosen. He reviewed statistics concerning the number of trees that were removed in previous years.

Discussion included information that Mr. Zeuli is in contact with private property owners regarding the need to remove their diseased trees, and informs them that the City has a contract for that service. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to award the contract for Tree and Stump Removal Services to St. Croix Tree Service, using Option 1, with a cost of $200 for removal of public or private trees, $45.00 for stump removal, and tree trimming at $160 per hour. Discussion included information that property owners are allowed 21 days to respond after notification about their trees, and also that treatment of diseased trees is an alternative. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider possible budget adjustment for fuel costs: finance Officer Betty Caruso explained that the new Purchase Order System required funding for all budget purchases. She noted that there was a projected shortage of funds for fuel costs in the General Fund. Also, the Enterprise Funds are expected to be short by approximately $18,670. She suggested amending the budget to reflect increasing the revenues from Interest Earnings by $45,000. Ms. Caruso explained that Interest Earnings were currently under-budgeted at $90,000, and stated that it would not be a problem for the actual amount to reach $140,000 for 2007.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to amend the 2007 General Fund Budget by increasing the Interest Earnings and fuel expenses by $45,000, as submitted. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Update on projects: The Update on Projects report was provided. Chuck Schwartz noted that the KinderCare project would begin later in the week.

Update on health insurance options: Mayor Breault announced that Administrator Willi is seeking answers to some questions that came up during an insurance meeting held earlier in the morning. He stated that the Ad Hoc Committee would submit a recommendation to Council as soon as possible.

Petition for annexation of 18.149 acres located in the southeast quadrant of STH Highway 35 and Hanley Road/High Ridge Drive in the Town of Troy – Francine Hofmiester, Melvin Fahning, and Bieneman Farms LLC.: Terry Pirius presented information regarding the petition for annexation of approximately 18 acres. He showed a map of the area and noted that the updated bridge work created a full interchange at the Hanley Road and Highway 35 location. He also stated that the parcel was bordered on three sides by City property and was next to St. Croix Business Park. Discussion included the availability of water and that work was being done on an Easement Agreement regarding sewer service. The proposed type of development for the parcel was questioned. Mr. Pirius stated he believed it could be retail oriented and he would know more in approximately 30 days. He would provide information to the Plan Commission. MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to refer to the Plan Commission the petition for annexation of 18.149 acres in the Town of Troy, as submitted by Francine Hofmiester, Melvin Fahning, and Bieneman Farms LLC. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Cost estimates for left turn signal on northbound 2^nd Street, turning left to Buckeye Street: Radermacher pointed out that the Public Safety Committee reviewed the cost estimate for the additional turn signal, and noted they would recommend it as a 2008 budget item. Wyland stated the need for an updated intersection if development occurs at the River City Center property. It was noted that this item was for information only; no action was taken.

Review plans and consider advertising for bids for the Lakefront Park Retaining Wall Project: Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz presented project alternatives and cost information regarding the Lakefront Park Retaining Wall Project. He explained the new design for the two separate tiers of the wall. Alternatives and project options were included in his presentation. He noted that the plan could create areas of interest; the possibility of walking trails connecting with the existing path was also discussed. Mr. Schwartz noted that with this design, flood damage would be dramatically reduced.

Mr. Schwartz reported that Alternative A included the retaining wall with engineering and construction costs totaling $180,000. Alternative B included the wall, lighting, and bituminous paths, plus engineering/construction at an estimated cost of $260,000. Alternative C also included the options in Alternative B, and additional landscaping features at a cost of $380,000. He also presented a proposed schedule to assure that the project is completed in 2007.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve the plans for the Lakefront Park Retaining Wall, using Alternative B, at the estimated cost of $260,000, and to authorize Bonestroo to advertise for bids for the project. Discussion included information regarding funding. MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to include approval contingent upon the Finance Officer finding funding for lighting and the path. Additional discussion was held regarding seeking bids for separate items. MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to seek bids for a base bid of the retaining wall only, and alternative bids for the other options of the pathway and the lighting. Mr. Schwartz stated he would be working with the Wisconsin DNR regarding the permits. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

APPOINTMENTS TO PARK BOARD AND HUDSON HOUSING AUTHORITY: Mayor Breault requested confirmation of his appointments to the Park Board and Hudson Housing Authority. He recommended appointing Mr. Richard Herberg to fulfill the remainder of Don Gilbert’s term on the Park Board, and the reappointment of Sally Gaeu to the Housing Authority. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to confirm the appointment of Richard Herberg, 90 Quail Circle, to fulfill the remainder of Don Gilbert’s term on the Park Board through April of 2008, and the reappointment of Sally Gaeu, 111 S. 17^th Street, to another five year term on the Hudson Housing Authority, through July of 2012. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: O’Malley called attention to the quarterly report from the Library Director and noted the high volume of items that were circulated, as well as the Library’s efficiency regarding staff, budgeting and size. He also stated that the need is approaching for a new Library.

Radermacher encouraged the public to attend the free Concerts in the Park on Thursday evenings. Attention was also called to the new benches, waste containers, and lighting on the former toll bridge road, the opening of the concession stand in the Beach House, and the efforts of the Police Department to enforce the rules.

Morrissette stated that August 7^th would be National Night Out.

Administrator Willi reported that a meeting with Department Heads would be held regarding the beginning of the 2008 Budget process. He noted that they would be requested to have a zero percent increase.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to adjourn at 7:52 p.m. All ayes (5). MOTION CARRIED.

Nancy 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.

Jack D. Breault, Mayor