CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2007

UNAPPROVED

Meeting called to order by Council President Lee Wyland in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:00 p.m.

President Wyland stated that he would be chairing the meeting in the absence of Mayor Breault and would still retain his voting rights and representation of Aldermanic District 4. He led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

ABSENT: Mayor Jack Breault.

OTHERS PRESENT: Cathy Munkittrick, Devin Willi, Randy Hanson, David Gray, Chuck Schwartz, Angela Popenhagen, Caroline Baker, Matt Heldstab, Jim Frye, and others.

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

CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

MINUTES: Approve the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting minutes of 9/17/07.

CLAIMS: Approve the following claims for payment:

FUND	Description	PAYABLES	PAYROLL	TOTAL
100	General	236,008.64	141,335.22	377,343.86
225	Impact Collection	825.00	0.00	825.00
230	Wisc DVL/RVL	30.00	0.00	30.00
450	Capital Projects	915.00	0.00	915.00
610	Sewer	3,007.13	11,594.25	14,601.38
620	Parking Utility	397.18	1,010.24	1,407.42
630	Ambulance	6,984.57	23,815.36	30,799.93
	TOTALS	$248,167.52	$177,755.07	$425,922.59

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 10/2/07 to 6/30/09 to:

Amanda L. Reichert 6996 Wyndham Way Woodbury, MN

German F. Duran 4585 145^th Street Chippewa Falls, WI

FIRE DEPARTMENT PROPOSED SALE OF 1991 TANKER TRUCK: Approve the use of a broker for the sale of the Fire Department’s 1991 tanker truck.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the quarterly report of the Parks Department and the Community Access Board minutes of 9/25/07.

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

President Wyland announced that some agenda items would be taken in a different order other than listed.

Proposal for Fire Department Firefighter Pay Policy: President Wyland stated that the Firefighter Pay Policy proposal would be postponed to a future meeting.

Proclamations re: Fire Prevention Week and Toastmaster’s Month:

President Wyland invited Caroline Baker of the Hudson Rise ‘n Shine Toastmasters Club to read the proclamation for October as Toastmasters Month.

Fire Chief Jim Frye read the Fire Prevention Week proclamation.

Update on projects: Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz stated that construction work had begun on the Crest View Drive left turn lane project and that it should be completed by the first part of November. He stated that the Nye Street/Aldrich Avenue storm sewer project needed additional road gravel as a result of recent` weather conditions. He also stated that they recommended the curb be poured with hi-early concrete to allow residents access to their driveways within 3 days, instead of 7.

Discussion was held regarding the additional cost of the road gravel and budget concerns. It was noted that the project was expected to be completed by the end of October.

Information was shared on the Lakefront Park Retaining Wall Project. It was noted that the permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers is expected to be issued October 10^th. Work cannot be completed below the Ordinary High Water Mark until the permit is received, but some other preliminary work can be started. He stated that the trail might not be completed before winter.

The project at Coulee Road and 11^th Street has begun and is anticipated to be completed by the end of October or first part of November.

Update on health insurance options: Administrator Willi reported that the Health Insurance Ad Hoc Committee met with some union representatives on October 1^st. He noted that the State has given the City an extension until October 31^st for notification of whether the City will be applying for health insurance coverage through their plan.

Mr. Willi announced that letters were sent to City employees and annuitants regarding the need to fill out and return an application form by October 8^th in order for the Committee to proceed with getting other insurance quotes before the end of the month.

Easement Agreement with Matt & Michelle Heldstab to construct a fence in a utility easement area: Assistant Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator David Gray spoke concerning the request of Matt and Michelle Heldstab to construct a fence within an easement area. He noted that they reside at 66 Coach Light Drive and the Easement Agreement would be necessary due to the presence of a storm sewer that drains to the storm pond behind their home. Mr. Gray stated that the Heldstabs have agreed to all of the conditions in the Agreement.

MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Connell, to authorize Matt and Michelle Heldstab, 66 Coach Light Drive, to construct a fence within an easement area, following execution of the Easement Agreement, as submitted. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids and award contract for St. Croix Business Park Utility Extension and East Highway 35 Subdivision Project: engineer Angela Popenhagen of Stevens Engineers shared information on the bid tabulation for extending the utilities in St. Croix Business Park. She noted that 8 bids were received and F & K Trucking of River Falls, WI was the low bidder in the amount of $765,819.15. Ms. Popenhagen explained that F & K Trucking met all of the requirements and that the St. Croix Business Park Corporation Board of Directors had ratified the bids and requested approval.

Discussion was held on concerns raised by Bonestroo engineers. It was noted that F & K Trucking had been notified and agreed to the changes suggested. Additional discussion was held regarding the need for the Troy Town Board and Planning Committee to approve the project. Concern for the level of Lot 4 was also discussed.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to approve the low bid from F & K Trucking in the amount of $765,819.15 for the St. Croix Business Park Utility Extension Project, contingent on approval from the Town of Troy. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Combining wards and using three polling places for elections – Ordinance No. 14-07: City Clerk Nancy Korson requested Council consider the creation of a third polling place to relieve congestion during elections. It was noted that the United Methodist Church gave their approval to use their Fellowship Hall at no cost to the City, and that the change would affect voters in Districts 3 and 4. It was also explained that money for the additional voting machines and other required purchases was available in the 2007 Capital Equipment Fund.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to conduct a first reading on Ordinance No. 14-07. Discussion included information that the affected voters would be notified by postcard of the change in polling place. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider authorizing Carmichael Road-Vine Street corridor traffic analysis by BONESTROO: motion by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, for Finance Committee consideration of a traffic analysis for the Carmichael Road-Vine Street corridor. It was requested that a funding source be identified, that Denny Darnold should review, and the proposal would be placed on the next Finance Committee agenda. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: O’Malley called attention to a recent Pioneer Press newspaper article concerning crime statistics, and noted that the City of Hudson figures had decreased.

Administrator Devin Willi reported that the Department budgets were near completion and the Finance Officer would have more information at the next meeting.

Convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(e), Wis. Stats. to discuss bargaining issues related to employee health insurance benefits: MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(e), Wis. Stats. to discuss bargaining issues related to employee health insurance benefits. Roll call vote: ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED at 7:30 p.m.

Reconvene in Open Session for possible action re: employee health insurance: MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell to reconvene into Open Session. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED at 7:38 p.m.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to authorize the law firm of Weld, Riley, Prenn and Ricci to review and advise regarding the issue of annuitants on the City’s health insurance plan, with legal fees not to exceed $1,000. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to adjourn at 7:39 p.m. All ayes (6). MOTION CARRIED.

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.

Lee S. Wyland, Council President