CITY OF
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF
SEPTEMBER 11,2007
Meeting called to order by
Mayor
PRESENT: Mayor Breault, Alderpersons Randy Morrissette,
Dennis O’Connell, Paul Radermacher, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley and Allan
Burchill.
OTHERS PRESENT: Catherine Munkittrick, Devin Willi, Betty
Caruso, Linda Donaldson, Marty Jensen, Randy Hansen, Pat Bakke, Eric Atkinson,
Paul Larson, Bob Larson, Pete Schultz, Ed Rankin, Glen Hartman, Mark Crimmins,
and others. Jeff Knopps and Jason
Muenich became present at 7:27 p.m.
Mayor Breault announced that
the Closed Session item would be taken up first and that the regular items on
the agenda would begin at 7:00 p.m.
Convene
into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85 (1)
MOTION by O’Malley, second
by O’Connell to reconvene into Open Session at 6:50 p.m. Mayor Breault announced that the other items
on the agenda would begin at 7:00 p.m.
Consider
Review
and discussion of 2008 Police Department budget proposal: interim Police Chief Eric Atkinson presented information
concerning the possible promotion of staff for 2008. He requested that two Detectives be
reclassified as Detective/Sergeants and that Melanie Herberg be reclassified as
an Administrative Assistant. It was
noted that the Detective/Sergeant reclassifications would amount to $10,986.48
each, and the estimated total for the Administrative Assistant position would
be $2,985.47, including benefits.
Interim Chief Atkinson cited the reasons for reclassifying the
positions. He specifically called attention
to the need for increasing supervision and creating greater accountability for
the quality of the investigations, as well as handling critical incidents. He stated that the proposed Administrative
Assistant’s duties would include evidence collection and documentation,
computer information systems, and assistance to the Chief.
Discussion was held
regarding the responsibilities of the Police and Fire Commission relating to
the creation of new positions.
Additional discussion was held concerning the creation of a new
position, or moving an employee into a different category within the clerical
union scale. Mayor Breault cited the
need to look at the total budget before deciding how to proceed with those
requests.
Interim Chief Atkinson
provided copies of a “Proposal for Service Expansion of the Hudson Police
Department” (copy on file in Clerk’s office).
He stated that the report was broken down by subject and gave an
explanation of each of the categories including crime prevention programs,
staffing, technology and equipment, vehicles, police facility, and staffing
plan through 2015.
Discussion included
questions of how the crime prevention program would work. Additional information was requested
concerning the numbers and types of calls from rental properties to the Police
Department. The recommendation was to
include properties with four or more units.
The possible benefit to property owners for the proposed monthly $10 per
rental unit charge was also discussed.
Detailed staffing
information changes and recommendations listed in the report were noted. The possibility of adding a second School
Liaison Officer was included. Interim
Chief Atkinson pointed out that he would be attending a meeting with the
Additional discussion was
held regarding estimated costs for the proposed 2008 Police Department budget,
the police staffing ratio per population, and crime statistics from state
reports. Interim Chief Atkinson provided
additional information on the need to create an Assistant Chief position and
the duties it would include. He also
noted that updated technology could mean that officers spend less time on
paperwork and reports, and more time responding to calls. The need for in-squad computers, cameras and
RMS systems were noted.
Finance Officer Betty Caruso
explained the process of issuing bonds as debt for certain items, as well as
the City’s debt levy, and operational levy.
She pointed out that the proposed police facility that was presented
could cost approximately $209,000 in annual utility charges, and was not
included in the budget. She provided
information regarding the closing of TIF District #4, and the possibility that
there may be no levy limit in 2008. She
suggested that things may be in a better position in 2009. Mayor Breault also pointed out that revenues
are down. O’Malley reminded that the
City borrowed $270,000 to keep the City operating in 2007. Attorney Munkittrick advised than an
ordinance would be needed in order to implement the rental unit license
fees. Mayor Breault asked Paul
Radermacher to coordinate the work on a design plan for an emergency services
facility.
Interim Chief Atkinson
shared information on the facility assessment completed by Bonestroo, and
presented a diagram of a proposed building.
Discussion was held about incorporating the facility needs of the
Ambulance and Fire Departments, as well as the Police Department. Mayor Breault pointed out that all City
Department budgets were due September 24th and meetings would be
held to address budget concerns after that date.
possible
action re: pay request of Interim Chief of Police and possible
promotions/compensation for Police Department staff: MOTION by Burchill, second by O’Malley, to approve a pay
increase for the Interim Police Chief to $72,000 per year. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to
adjourn the meeting. MOTION CARRIED all ayes (6). Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
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
Date approved
by Council: