CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2009 – 7:00 P.M.

 

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, Pam Brokaw, Lori Bernard, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley and Alan Burchill.

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Betty Caruso, Denny Darnold, Tom Zeuli, Marty Jensen, Gerald Bauer, Thomas Gichondo, Chuck Schwartz, Todd Barnhardt, MaryAnn Burman, Donald and Paula Leslie, William McManus, and others.

 

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: William McManus, 802 Ninth Street, spoke regarding his concerns about the speed problems on Ninth Street and the possibility of someone getting hurt.  He requested stop signs or some kind of traffic management be installed.  Mayor Knudson offered that the Public Safety Committee could look at options and enforcement could be worked on immediately.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:  Mayor Knudson removed from the consent agenda the applications of Thomas M. Gichondo, d/b/a Gold Cab, for Taxicab Service License and Taxicab Driver’s License. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

 

MINUTES:  Approve the Regular meeting minutes of 9/21/09.

 

    Claims:  Approve the following claims for payment:

 

FUND

DESCRIPTION

PAYABLES

PAYROLL

TOTALS

100

General

83,093.67

178,945.97

262,039.64

450

Capital Projects

211,481.28

0.00

211,481.28

490

Biosolids

0.00

0.00

0.00

610

Sewer

18,451.35

11,455.95

29,907.30

620

Parking

597.17

1,535.58

2,132.75

630

Ambulance

11,941.63

28,528.72

40,470.35

 

TOTALS

325,565.10

220,466.22

546,031.32

 

    Consider filling vacancy in Police Dept. Patrol Officer position:  Approve the hiring of a Patrol Officer to fill the vacancy in the Police Department.

 

Consider installation of street lights on Monetary Boulevard:  Proceed with the installation of three street lights on Monetary Boulevard and billing the developer for all related costs incurred by the City, including attorney fees.

 

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, and COMMISSIONS:  Place on file the Quarterly Reports of the E.M.S. Chief and Police Chief, and the unapproved Community Access Board minutes of 9/29/09 and St. Croix E.M.S. Commission minutes of 9/23/09.

 

Roll call vote:  Ayes (6).  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review and consider modifying conditions of approval of the Certificate of Compliance for Little Minds Learning Center, 2400 Foxglove Way – Todd Barnhardt:  Community Development Director Denny Darnold provided information regarding a request from Todd Barnhardt, Little Minds Learning Center, to amend the Certificate of Compliance for the daycare center.  He stated he discussed the topic with one of the neighbors who expressed some concern about the amount of noise, at times, coming from the play area, and requested the conditions not be removed. 

 

MOTION by Burchill, second by Bernard to approve the amendment to the Certificate of Compliance for the Little Minds Learning Center day care to remove the conditions that the outdoor play area only be used between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and that the number of children allowed in the outdoor play area be limited to a maximum of 15 children.  Additional information was shared regarding the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services concerns.  Mr. Barnhardt provided information about the number of children licensed for the center, and questioned if similar conditions are being placed on other daycare centers.  Discussion was held regarding his concerns.  Mr. Darnold requested the ability to work with Mr. Barnhardt and the neighbors near the Little Minds Learning Center to reach an agreeable solution.  MOTION WITHDRAWN by Burchill. 

 

MOTION by Wyland, second by Brokaw to postpone action until the parties and Mr. Darnold have a chance to discuss the options, and return to Council with a recommendation.  Ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Applications for Operator’s Licenses:  Morrissette recused himself.  MOTION by Wyland, second by Bernard, to approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 10/6/09 to 6/30/11 to:

 

Teresa J.K. Allen          1796 Jewel Street          Prescott, WI

Heather N. Johnson         1554 Namekagon St. #7      Hudson, WI

Stacy M. Kupka             961 Daily Road             Hudson, WI

Alycia M. Meier            700 Fallstrom Place        Afton, MN

Israel A. Neumann          521 S. Main Street         River Falls, WI

Jennifer L. Rolfing        399 Frederick Circle       Hastings, MN

Samantha M. Rose           7052 49th St. N.           Oakdale, MN

Laura R. Zontelli          1326 Maple Street          Baldwin, WI

 

     All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Application of Thomas M. Gichondo for Taxicab Service License d/b/a Gold Cab, 344 Southern Pacific Road, Hudson, WI, and Taxicab Driver’s license:  Mayor Knudson stated the Finance Committee recommended approval and discussed that the vehicle was licensed in Minnesota.  After the Finance Committee meeting, the applicant said he would update the license/registration to Wisconsin; Mayor Knudson recommended approval for the licenses with that contingency.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to approve the issuance of a Taxicab Service License and Taxicab Driver’s license to Thomas Gichondo d/b/a Gold Cab, 344 Southern Pacific Road, Hudson, WI, contingent on the vehicle being licensed in Wisconsin.  Ayes (6),  MOTION CARRIED.  

 

Approve the Fall Leaf Collection drop off dates beginning Saturday, October 17 through October 31, 2009:  MOTION by Morrissette, second by Bernard to approve the Fall Leaf Collection drop off dates, October 17, 2009 through October 31, 2009 as presented.  Mayor Knudson advised that the drop off site will be open beginning October 17th through October 31st on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from Noon until 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the West Garage, 1421 Second Street.  It was also noted that leaves must be bagged, curbside pickup is available at a rate of $1.00 per bag, woodchips are not available, and residents in District 5 can contact Alderperson O’Malley if they need assistance.  Additional discussion was held regarding the desire for compost alternatives and to consider not using bags in the future.  Ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Snowplowing policy:  Burchill stated the Public Works Committee recommended approval of the policy.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to adopt the Snowplowing Policy. City Attorney Catherine Munkittrick suggested further consideration be given to item number 11, regarding “Damage To Personal Property.”  MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, seconded by Bernard to adopt the policy without item number 11 regarding Damage to Personal Property, and to bring the topic back to Council after that portion has been reviewed and modified. Ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Update on Projects: Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz stated that during the 11th Street project. a large, deep hole was discovered and needed to be corrected before further paving work could continue.  They expect to pave on October 7th and be finished by October 9, 2009, weather permitting.  Mayor Knudson expressed concern about the delays and stated he would like the project to be finished this week.   

 

Mr. Schwartz reported that the Coulee Road project was underway; curb removal and replacement was in progress, and milling and paving would be done mid-October. The Tower Road water main extension project was also expected to be finished the week of October 5th.

 

     Review bids and award contract for 2009 Sidewalk Replacement Project, and approve Final Resolution No. 17-09 authorizing Sidewalk Replacement Project Special Assessments:  Mayor Knudson responded to the public hearing comments.  He explained the components of road structure and that curbs are not replaced for cosmetic reasons.  The need to plow streets curb-to-curb was noted.  Discussion was held regarding the road condition of Chestnut Drive; it was reported Chestnut Drive was not on the list of streets scheduled for total reconstruction.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to award the 2009 Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Replacement Project to Curb Masters in the amount of $39,803.50.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

     MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 17-09.  Roll call vote taken.  Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED. 

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette to adopt the following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 17-09

SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

     Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz and Parks and Public Works Director Tom Zeuli explained how curb damage can happen.  Mr. Zeuli stated he and Water Utility Director Tim Caruso would inspect the areas of concern that were presented by Mr. Leslie during the public hearing.  MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, second by Bernard, to adopt Resolution No. 17-09, and to allow City Staff to make any necessary adjustments to the assessment roll regarding the properties at 1804 and 1806 Chestnut Drive, after the inspection has been completed. Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Donation of a public bicycle rack:  Gerald Bauer, representing the River Valley Trails bicycle organization, stated the club wished to donate another bicycle rack to the City of Hudson.  He noted that per discussions with the Parks and Public Works Director, it was decided the bike rack could be installed in Grandview Park.  He invited community involvement in their organization, and stated they hoped to make additional donations in the future.  Mayor Knudson thanked Mr. Bauer for the organization’s current and previous donations. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to accept the donation of a bicycle rack (from River Valley Trails) to be installed in Grandview Park.  Ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Proclamation re: Fire Prevention Week: Mayor Knudson read the proclamation regarding fire prevention week highlighting the message “Stay fire smart-don’t get burned!”

 

     Appointment to Public Utility Commission:  Mayor Knudson requested approval for the reappointment of David Prissel and stated he felt he has been doing a good job as President of the Commission.  MOTION by Wyland, second by O’Malley to approve the reappointment of David Prissel to  a five year term on the Public Utility Commission (through September of 2014).  Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.  

    

     Appointments to Room Tax Grant Board:  Mayor Knudson requested approval of his appointments to the Room Tax Grant Board [to determine the 2010 grant awards].  MOTION by Bernard, second by Brokaw to confirm Mayor Knudson’s appointments of Colleen Maloney, Bill Friedlander, and Kim Heinemann to the Room Tax Grant Board.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.    

 

     COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: O’Malley requested Council consider at a future meeting the remedial revisions proposed to 2007 Act 42, regarding the State of Wisconsin cable television franchises.

   

CLOSED SESSION pursuant to §19.85 (1)(e), Wis. Stats. to deliberate regarding      negotiating strategy for possible purchase of public property: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85 (1)(e), Wis. Stats. to deliberate regarding negotiating strategy for possible purchase of public property.  Roll call vote taken; Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED at 7:52 p.m.

 

     MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to reconvene into Open Session.  Ayes (6), - MOTION CARRIED at 8:18 p.m.

     

ADJOURN:  MOTION by Burchill, second by O’Malley to adjourn.   All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED at 8:18 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 Knudson, Mayor