CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 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, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley and Alan Burchill.

ABSENT: alderperson Lori Bernard was excused.

OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Cathy Munkittrick, Betty Caruso, Tom Zeuli, Gordon Conard, Chuck Schwartz, Randy Hanson, Linda Donaldson, 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 8/18/08.

claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

FUND	DESCRIPTION	PAYABLES	PAYROLL	TOTALS
100	General	132,165.61	161,178.69	293,344.30
225	Impact Collection	3,328.00	0.00	3,328.00
410	Tax Increment Financing	994.28	0.00	994.28
450	Capital Projects	179,696.58	0.00	179,696.58
610	Sewer	15,470.67	9,170.61	24,641.28
620	Parking	186.82	1,107.16	1,293.98
630	Ambulance	10,363.36	24,459.85	34,823.21
	Totals	$342,205.32	$195,916.31	$538,121.63

Consider mandatory direct deposit for non-union employee payroll checks. Approve amending the City of Hudson Employee Handbook to add the following to Chapter 9, Section 5:

“Effective January 1, 2009, all employees covered exclusively by this handbook, plus elected officials and Utility Commission members, shall be required to receive compensation through direct deposit. Forms will be provided to employees to process the direct deposit of their compensation. This section shall not apply to Election Inspectors. Employees who are represented by collective bargaining units shall follow the direct deposit guidelines set forth in their respective agreements.”

Application of Skits Outreach Services, Inc. for Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer and wine at the SOS Gala fundraiser event, September 16, 2008 at the Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust Street: Approve the issuance of a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to Skits Outreach Services, Inc. to sell beer and wine at the SOS Gala fundraiser event, September 16, 2008 at the Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust Street.

Application of St. Patrick’s Church for Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer and wine Sept. 20-21, 2008 at the Annual Fall Fest, 1500 Vine Street: Approve the issuance of a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to St. Patrick’s Church to sell beer and wine Sept. 20-21, 2008 at the Annual Fall Fest, 1500 Vine Street.

Request of Hunter Hill Condo Association for “Children at Play” signage: Approve the request of the Hunter Hill Condo Association to install “Children at Play” signage on Hunter Hill Road, to be funded by the Association.

Request of Park Board for “Children at Play” and speed limit signage in Prospect Park: Approve the Park Board request to install “Children at Play” and 10 mph speed limit signage in Prospect Park.

Deny the request for a stop sign on Ashbury Court at Tribute Avenue: Deny the request for a stop sign on Ashbury Court at the intersection of Tribute Avenue.

Appointment of additional Election Inspectors: Appoint the following as additional Election Inspectors through 12/31/09, as recommended by the Democratic Party:

Richard Shager 1706 Hunter Hill Road

Linda Schultz 1712 Cudd Circle

Jerry Blaha 701 Evergreen Circle

Patricia Henderson 87 Deerwood Court

Kate Larson 827 Sixth Street

Susan Malecha 207 17^th Street S.

Roll call vote, all ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Morrissette recused himself. MOTION by Wyland, second by O’Malley, to approve the issuance of regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 9/03/08 to 6/30/10 to:

Joseph L. Benysek 301 Wildwood Circle Roberts, WI

Thor E. Riley 3010 Humboldt Road Green Bay, WI

Pamela K. Seidlitz 77 Coulee Rd., #108 Hudson, WI

Eric L. Hauser 726 Dundee Avenue River Falls, WI

Elizabeth F. Preller 11485 Halstead Trail Woodbury, MN

(Preller: contingent on completing Beverage Server’s course)

AND issuance of Temporary Operator’s Licenses to be used 9/16/08 at the SOS Gala fundraising event to:

Susan S. Oberg 11638 120^th St. S. Hastings, MN

Richard J. Holloway 1632 Livingstone Ave. Hudson, WI

AND issuance of Temporary Operator’s Licenses to be used 10/24/08 at the CCH Foundation Wine Fest event to:

Danny Goodier 617 Overlook Court North Hudson, WI

Beth Ann Richter 401 County Rd MM River Falls, WI

Ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider Public Works Dept. purchase of a Reflectometer and software for federal compliance pertaining to sign reflectivity: mayor Knudson announced that the Finance Committee recommended approval to purchase the equipment and software pertaining to sign reflectivity. He noted the funding source could be bond proceeds from the 2^nd and Coulee Road Signal Head Replacement fund. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve the purchase of a Reflectometer and software from TAPCO in the amount of $14,500, and with funding from the 2008 bond proceeds (from the 2^nd and Coulee Road Signal Head Replacement account). All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Wisconsin Street walking path repairs and funding: mayor Knudson advised that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the walking path repairs. O’Malley pointed out that Wisconsin Street was in the five-year street plan for renovation. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to approve the repairs to the Wisconsin Street walking path in the amount of $8,750 from Tower Asphalt, with funding from the remaining funds in the in-house 2008 Mill and Overlay Project account, and the 2008 Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter Project account. Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Update on Projects: Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz reported on the progress of the Crest View Drive Mill and Overlay Project. He noted that the curb and gutter and street patching would be completed by the end of the week. The Phase III improvements at Lakefront Park were proceeding well; the trees would be planted the week of September 2^nd and the contractor anticipates work completed by September 15^th, with final completion date of September 22^nd.

Update on proposed Joint Library Major Capital Project Agreement: mayor Knudson provided an update on the Major Capital Project proposal for the possible purchase of the NMC building. He highlighted the recommendations previously approved by the Common Council:

1. The municipalities should not bond for more than 50% of the project or a maximum of $5 million.

2. To require donations and qualified commitments of at least $4 million prior to the expenditure of public dollars.

3. To require private and non-municipal funding not less than $4 million by September 20, 2009

4. To provide public matching funds 1:1 starting when $4 million is committed from non-municipal sources

5. Foundation secures a purchase agreement with contingencies or secures an option to purchase the building until September. 20, 2009

He also reported that the representatives from the municipalities involved in the Hudson Area Joint Library met and accepted the recommendations, with one exception. He stated that they suggested to change the deadline for private donations from September 20, 2009 to December 31, 2009, and that he did not support that change. Discussion was held regarding the possibility of changing the donation deadline date, and the timetable for municipal budgeting. O’Malley suggested changing the date to November 13, 2009, and noted that it would be acceptable for the City’s budget timeline.

Mayor Knudson pointed out the other changes made to the proposal, and the need for approval from all four municipalities to bond and exceed the levy limits, plus private donations and commitments of not less than $4 million received by a specific date. He stated that the voters needed to approve the plans first, then the private funds would be raised, and then the project would commence. He noted that the next meeting of the group would be held September 3^rd at 6:30 a.m. at City Hall, and that September 22^nd would be the last date that the City could act on the Major Capital Project Proposal Agreement.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to suggest to the Joint Library partners to move the deadline for private donations (of not less than $4 million) to November 13, 2009. Discussion was held regarding the wording of the referendum questions, and that questions about the new library should be specific to the (former) NMC building. Additional discussion was held concerning budgeting, financing, and the collection of pledges. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Initial Resolution Authorizing Issuing GO Bonds for a Library Project – Resolution No. 15-08: mayor Knudson provided information regarding the issuance of General Obligation bonds or promissory notes for the purpose of financing the Library project at 700 First Street. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to conduct a first reading on Resolution No. 15-08. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Resolution directing publication of Notice to Electors – Resolution No. 16-08: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, for a first reading of Resolution No. 16-08, directing a publication of notice to the electors. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Resolution authorizing the City of Hudson to exceed the State levy limits (per §66.0602 Wis.Stats.)on an ongoing basis for Library costs - Resolution No. 17-08: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to conduct a first reading on Resolution No. 17-08. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Resolution providing for a referendum election on the questions of approval of an initial resolution authorizing the issuance of GO bonds and authorizing the City to exceed the Levy Limit under §66.0602 Wis.Stats. - Resolution No. 18-08: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to conduct a first reading of Resolution No. 18-08. Mayor Knudson highlighted exhibits A, B, and C that were necessary. The desire for a straight-forward question indicating the numbers and dollar amounts was noted, along with the possibility of adding purpose language.

It was discussed that most municipalities would have to follow the 2% levy limit increase for their 2009 budgets. Due to the City’s new construction increase of 2.474%, and 6.985% captured from the TID, an increase of 8.38% in spending could be allowed for the City in 2009.

Discussion was held regarding the need to provide the information to the taxpayers concerning tax increases. It was also noted that specific dollar amounts and percentages would only be accurate for the first year. Concern was noted about confusing numbers and whether voters would be able to understand all the information. It was noted that some wording changes on the exhibits could occur, but electioneering should be avoided. It was explained that Resolution 18-08 involved only scheduling the referendum, but not the specific wording of the questions. Vote taken, Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Proclamation re: Pedestrian Safety Month: Mayor Knudson read the proclamation declaring September as Pedestrian Safety Month in the city. He noted that with the beginning of the new school year, this was important for both drivers and pedestrians.

communications and items for future agendas: O’Malley cautioned people to drive carefully on Crest View Drive during the mill and overlay project, and also reminded them to heed the traffic control signs. Burchill invited everyone to attend the Spirit of St. Croix Days in Lakefront Park in October. Mayor Knudson questioned whether any temporary signage would be needed for the event. It was noted that Denny Darnold was looking into the matter.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to adjourn. All ayes (5). MOTION CARRIED at 8:01 p.m.

Nancy J. Korson, City Clerk