CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2007

UNAPPROVED

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

OTHERS PRESENT: Cathy Munkittrick, Devin Willi, Denny Darnold, Betty Caruso, Chuck Schwartz, Glen Hartman, Eric Christensen, Eric Atkinson, Jim Frye, David Gray, Steve Potts, Stephen Dahle, Randy Hanson, Jaclyn Zimmerman, John Oman, Erin Christensen, Chella Bhagyan, Gordon Conard, and others.

proclamation re: red ribbon week: Mayor Breault proclaimed that October 20 to 27, 2007 would be the official Red Ribbon Week in the City of Hudson. Stephen Dahle, representing the local chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions, read the proclamation.

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

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

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes and Closed Session minutes of 10/1/07.

CLAIMS: Approve the following claims for payment:

Fund	Description	payables	Totals	Totals
100	General	255,474.36	114,814.33	370,288.69
230	Wisc DVL/RVL	210.00	0.00	210.00
231	SCBP-RVL Loan	43,427.00	0.00	43,427.00
450	Capital Projects	253,944.91	0.00	253,944.91
610	Sewer	87,179.16	10,882.56	98,061.72
620	Parking Utility	846.50	631.32	1,477.82
630	Ambulance	7,701.32	7,870.78	15,572.10
	Total	$648,783.25	$134,198.99	$782,982.24

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 10/16/07 to 6/30/09 to:

Cynthia K. Bechel W1055 Cardinal Drive Spring Valley, WI

Ross R. Freeman 315 Third Street Hudson, WI

Rebecca M. Siebold 302 4^th Street North Hudson, WI

Request of SADD for Red Ribbon Week annual 5K run/walk event on 10/20/07: Approve the request of Students Against Destructive Decisions to conduct the 5^th annual Red Ribbon Week 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, October 20, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., beginning and ending at Hudson Middle School, with the requirement that adult monitors with safety vests and/or hand-held stop signs are posted at the intersections for traffic control and participant safety.

Request to block Third St. between Orange and St. Croix St. on 10/31/07: Deny the request to block Third Street between St. Croix and Orange Streets, and approve “No Parking” on Third Street from Orange to St. Croix Street on 10/31/07 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Request for mini-bus parking on Oak St. - Willow River Elementary School: Approve the request of Willow River Elementary School for two signs to be placed on the northeast corner of Oak Street, indicating “Mini-bus Parking Only 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.” with sign costs to be paid by the School District.

Request for Light Up Night event on Second St. on 11/23/07 at 6:30 p.m. Approve the annual Light Up Night Event on Second Street from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 23, 2007, with traffic detoured to First or Third Streets.

Request for annual Hot Air Affair event, February 1-3, 2008: Approve the annual Hot Air Affair event to be held February 1, 2 and 3, 2008, including the balloon launches, fireworks, Moon Glow, and Torchlight Parade to be held on Second Street, with restricted parking on Third Street and in the North parking lot and North Plaza parking lot for parade participants.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the quarterly report of the Fire Department, and the Public Utility Commission minutes of 10/9/07, the Advisory Joint Fire Board minutes of 9/24/07, and the Joint Plan Commission and Common Council minutes of 9/20/07.

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

Final development plans for Washington County MN radio antennae and equipment on Hanley Road water tower (east of Heggen Street and north of Hanley Road): Community Development Director Denny Darnold stated that the Plan Commission recommended approval of the antenna equipment project, with some specific conditions. O’Malley asked for clarification regarding the mounting of the parabolic reflector with the antennae. Steve Potts confirmed that a four or six foot parabolic would be mounted with the antenna, and facing the Washington County Government Center. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to approve the final development plans for the Washington County radio antennae and equipment to be located on the Hanley Road water tower site, with the following conditions:

· The detail of the 8-inch conduit penetrations in the base must be revised to provide structural integrity

· The exact location of the antennae must be shown, including cable routing

· The landscape plans to be reviewed/approved by the Community Development Director

All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider authorizing Carmichael Road-Vine Street corridor traffic analysis by BONESTROO, with funding from comprehensive plan budget: mayor Breault stated that the Finance Committee recommended proceeding with the traffic analysis, with funding from the Comprehensive Plan budget. The estimated cost was $4,950. Attorney Munkittrick suggested using a portion of the annexation petition fee as a second source of funds to pay for this type of analysis. Mr. Darnold noted that if there are remaining annexation fees following the review process, they could be used in place of the Comprehensive Plan funds.

MOTION by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to authorize Bonestroo to prepare a Carmichael Road-Vine Street Traffic Analysis at the approximate cost of $4,950, with funding as recommended by Denny Darnold. Clarification was given that the analysis would include traffic volume, lighting, and determination of signage. All ayes, (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Request to transfer Police Dept. unused Payroll funds to Capital Outlay for equipment, and to Investigation Overtime, Patrol Overtime, and Patrol Training accounts: motion by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to approve the transfer of $17,500 from unused Police Department Payroll to Investigation Overtime ($7,000), Patrol Overtime ($8,000) and Patrol Training ($2,500). Discussion also included that the request to transfer $41,930 of unused payroll for equipment was too vague. O’Malley stated that the equipment needs should go through the Capital Outlay process. It was also noted that budgeting for IT work was not included. Mayor Breault requested detailed information from Interim Chief Atkinson on the proposed equipment. Additional discussion was held concerning the tight budget constraints. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Gourmet Systems of Minnesota, Inc. change of agent for Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 2201 Coulee Road: motion by Burchill, second by Radermacher, to approve the request of Gourmet Systems of Minnesota, Inc. to appoint Donald A. Fowell, Jr. as the agent for Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar at 2201 Coulee Road. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Hudson Spirits, LLC change of agent for Buffalo Wild Wings Gill & Bar, 913 Pearson Drive, and review location of alcoholic beverage storage and serving areas: motion by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve the request of Hudson Spirits, LLC to appoint Michael J. Christenson as the agent for Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar at 913 Pearson Drive. It was noted that the Finance Committee recommended approval and had reviewed the location of the alcoholic beverage storage and service areas. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

2008 Budget summary: Finance Officer Betty Caruso provided a summary of the preliminary General Fund Operations Budget for 2008. She noted the need to cut $1.3 million from the 2008 budget requests. Additional information was shared regarding the need for direction from the State of Wisconsin.

dates for fall leaf collection program: O’Malley announced the Fall Leaf Collection dates and the regulations that need to be followed. He also offered to help citizens in the Fifth Aldermanic District with delivery of their bags of leaves, if needed. Additional information was shared regarding the option to purchase special tags for direct curbside pickup, and also directions to the Public Works West Garage at 1421 Second Street.

Replacement/funding for emergency siren poles and sharing emergency warning computer system with St. Croix County Communications Center: O’Malley reported that the Public Works Department would include $25,000 in their 2008 budget for replacing the emergency siren system poles. Discussion was held regarding the possibility of Xcel Energy donating the poles, as they have in the past, and that stainless steel poles were preferred.

Update on projects: Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz announced that work on the Lakefront Park Retaining Wall Project was planned to begin on October 16^th. The desire to thank the U.S. Corps of Engineers for their quick response in reviewing and issuing the project permit was noted.

Mr. Schwartz stated that the Nye/Aldrich Storm Sewer Project was paved and near completion with only a few minor items remaining. The Carmichael Road and Crest View Drive intersection paving was completed and needs to be striped. He noted that the turn lane at 11^th Street and Coulee Road should be paved by October 25^th.

Update on health insurance: Administrator Devin Willi gave an update on the progress of obtaining quotes for health insurance coverage. It was noted that a Special Council meeting would be scheduled for October 30^th or 31^st, when more information is available. Burchill complimented Mr. Willi for coordinating the process.

Combining wards and using three polling places for elections – Ordinance No. 14-07: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to adopt the following:

ORDINANCE NO. 14-07

COMBINING WARDS AND USING 3 POLLING PLACES FOR ELECTIONS

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

Information was shared that the Fellowship Hall at United Methodist Church, 1401 Laurel Avenue, would be used for voters in the 3^rd and 4^th Aldermanic Districts, and that a mailing would be sent to those affected by the change. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

consider rezoning river ridge professional center at 1200 hosford street from i-1 light industrial to b-2 general business district – ordinance no. 15-07: Burchill recused himself. Denny Darnold stated that a Public Hearing was held regarding the request to rezone the property at 1200 Hosford Street, and that no issues or concerns were brought forward. MOTION by Wyland, second by O’Connell, to conduct a first reading on Ordinance No. 15-07. Ayes (4); Morrissette voted no. MOTION CARRIED.

Easement agreement with Timothy Stuewer, 1708 Stonepine Circle, to construct a fence within a utility easement area: David Gray presented information regarding the proposed Easement Agreement with Timothy Steuwer to construct a fence within an easement area at 1708 Stonepine Circle. He clarified that the owner would be required to pay costs if the fence needed to be moved. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to authorize Timothy Steuwer and Susan Song to construct a fence within a utility easement area at 1708 Stonepine Circle, upon execution of the Easement Agreement. All ayes, (6), MOTION CARRIED.

appointment to police and fire commission: mayor Breault requested confirmation of his appointment of Tom Redner to fill the remainder of a term on the Police and Fire Commission through April of 2011, due to the resignation of Frank Rhoades. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to confirm the appointment of Tom Redner, 714 Wisconsin Street, to the Police and Fire Commission through April of 2011. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

CLOSED SESSION pursuant to §19.85(1)(e), Wis. Stats. to discuss bargaining issues related to employee health insurance benefits: motion by Burchill, second by Wyland, 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, all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED at 7:31 p.m.

Reconvene in Open Session for possible action re: employee health insurance: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to reconvene in Open Session at 7:42 p.m. All ayes (6). MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to adjourn at 7:42 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.

Jack D. Breault, Mayor