CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 20, 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, Lori Bernard, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley and Alan Burchill.

OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Cathy Munkittrick, Gordon Conard, Greg Sarno, Linda Donaldson, Randy Hanson, Denny Darnold, Chuck Schwartz, Brian Zeller, Yvonne Larsen, Betty Caruso, Craig Sadownikow, and others.

CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION by Morrissette, second by Bernard, to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 10/6/08.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

FUND	DESCRIPTION	Payables	Payroll	Totals
100	General	132,987.93	123,907.38	256,895.31
280	Park Donations	12,239.67	0.00	12,239.67
410	Tax Increment Financing	2,773.05	0.00	2,773.05
450	Capital Projects	570,897.63	0.00	570,897.63
610	Sewer	41,011.96	10,440.44	51,452.40
620	Parking	1,214.84	1,176.89	2,391.73
630	Ambulance	6,238.68	6,681.25	12,919.93
	Totals	$767,363.76	$142,205.96	$909,569.72

Request for restricted parking on Aspen Drive (Mayer Rd. to Hanley Rd.): Approve restricted parking on the west side of Aspen Drive from Mayer Road to Hanley Road, and to review the issue again in May of 2009.

Request for parking meter at 100 Commercial Street: Approve the installation of a parking meter at 100 Commercial Street, to be funded from the Parking Utility fund.

Request for annual Light Up Night Parade on Second Street, 11/28/08: Approve the request to close the 500 block of Second Street (Highway 35) for the annual Light Up Night Parade at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2008.

Appointment of additional Election Inspectors: Approve the appointment of the following City of Hudson residents as additional Election Inspectors for the Democratic Party: Robert Rodriguez, Barbara Burkholder, Mike Tronstad, John Heck and Nancy Holste.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the quarterly report of the Building Inspector and the Public Utility Commission minutes of 10/14/08.

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

Update on Projects: Engineer Chuck Schwartz presented his update report. He noted the projects that were in stages of completion, and stated he was working with Tom Zeuli on engineering costs to review estimated project costs for Carmichael Road improvements contemplated for next year. Morrissette requested that he inspect the pavers in Lakefront Park for any possible washout problems. Mr. Schwartz also noted he would be attending a seminar on pavement management.

Final Development Plans for The Hampton Inn and Suites, 83 units, part of Lot 10 Ban Tara commercial development, 2610 Pearson Drive – Hudson Hotel Associates, LLC/Kraig Sadownikow and David Robson: Denny Darnold stated that the Plan Commission recommended approval of the final plans for the 83-unit facility, with some conditions. MOTION by Burchill, second by Brokaw, to approve the final development plans of Hudson Hotel Associates for an 83-unit Hampton Inn & Suites facility at 2610 Pearson Drive, and part of Lot 10, Ban Tara commercial development, contingent on the following:

· Final development plans to be amended to address the City Engineer’s

Memo of 10/9/08, including the requirement for a stormwater permit, as-built plans, and preconstruction meeting

· Signage on the east façade to be limited to the area immediately above the east entrance to the facility

The developer gave a brief presentation about the project. He noted that the exterior architectural materials would compliment the existing commercial buildings in Ban Tara. He also showed the change in signage that has been incorporated. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: mayor Knudson reported that the Finance Committee recommended approval, and announced the names of the applicants. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve the issuance of regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 10/21/08 to 6/30/10 to the following:

Molly A. Brockner 412 Red Brick Road Hudson, WI

Brandon J. Clark 374 Paquin Drive Somerset, WI

Dejah Debon 530½ Second St. #1 Hudson, WI

Lindsay R. Henkemeyer W8928 770^th Avenue River Falls, WI

Abby L. Keene 225 S. Main Street Stillwater, MN

Emily K. Kotz 602 6^th Street North Hudson, WI

Carol J. Raley 319 3^rd Street Hudson, WI

Lisa D. Valentine 737 11^th St. S. #11 Hudson, WI

Kendra L. Waldroff 1160 Trout Brook Road Hudson, WI

Robert D. Wolfe, Jr. 1910 Quasar Ave. S. St. Croix Beach, MN

Morrissette recused himself. Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider approval of Budget Adjustments Summary including budget adjustment for fuel: mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee reviewed the list of budget adjustment requests in three parts. He noted some had previously been approved, and some had not. The itemized list was provided in the packet. MOTION by Burchill, second by Wyland, to approve the 2008 budget adjustments, as presented. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Mayor Knudson shared information on the bill from Ramsland & Vigen, Inc. for appraisal work concerning the Kraus Anderson Board of Review litigation. It was noted that the Finance Committee recommended using $711 from the Assessor/Building Inspector’s conference budget, and the remainder of $7,846 from the Fund Balance account. It was noted that the use of the Fund Balance was appropriate, as the appraisal work pertained to more than just the current year. MOTION by Burchill, second by O’Malley, to approve the foregoing transfer of funds, as recommended by the Finance Committee. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Finance Officer Betty Caruso shared information that the 2008 fuel budget for most departments had been used up. She calculated that a budget adjustment of $35,000 from the General Fund and $18,000 from the Enterprise Fund would be needed through the end of the year. She recommended that the Fund Balance – Contingency be used for the $35,000 amount, and the Enterprise Fund be funded by Operations or Retained Earnings. Discussion was held regarding possible future increases. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve the Finance Officer’s recommendations for 2008 budget adjustments. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Application of Hudson Hockey Association for Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer at Hudson Crusaders hockey game 11/22/08: mayor Knudson explained the application of the Hudson Hockey Association for a temporary license to sell beer. He noted that this was different than the usual request for a “picnic” license, and stated that the Association would like to sell beer during the season of Hudson Crusader hockey games. Burchill recused himself.

Mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee discussed the possible approval of a license for a 14-day period. City Attorney Munkittrick advised that the duration would have to be 14 consecutive days, and that would not cover their hockey schedule. The Committee recommended that each date be considered separately; a separate application would need to be completed. Attorney Munkittrick also noted the need for a description to be on file regarding the proposed area where sales and consumption of beer would be allowed. Mr. Greg Sarno provided a drawing showing the location of a beer garden area in the arena.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve the issuance of a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to the Hudson Hockey Association to sell beer at the Hudson Crusaders hockey game on 11/22/08, including the new description of the sales/consumption area. Discussion included the opinion that Council would prefer to review each application separately and determine whether any concerns need to be addressed before future applications are considered. Morrissette suggested that the Police Chief and the Public Safety Committee should review and monitor the situation. It was noted that the applicants were made aware of the need for licensed operators (to serve the beer).

Attorney Munkittrick advised that Council reserved the right to review each application individually and that one approval would not set a precedent. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

CONSIDER DATE FOR DECEMBER COUNCIL MEETING: City Administrator Devin Willi recommended consideration of having one Council meeting on December 15^th, and requested Council approval of that change. He stated that would allow time for all committees to send their recommendations to the Council. It was also noted that the public hearing for the 2009 budget was on track to be held at the November 24^th Council meeting. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard, to approve scheduling one Council meeting in December on 12/15/08. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

DATES FOR FALL LEAF COLLECTION PROGRAM: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Brokaw, to approve the dates for the Fall Leaf Collection Program, as presented. O’Malley announced all the dates, location, bag size allowed, and that only leaves and grass clippings were allowed. He also reported that wood chips would be available free to the public, until gone, on Saturday, November 1, from 8:00 a.m. until Noon at the former landfill site on Krattley Lane in North Hudson. He noted that curbside collection of bagged leaves was also available from Veolia Waste Services at a rate of $1 per bag; arrangements must be made with Veolia. It was noted that postcards with the Leaf Collection information would be mailed to the City residents. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

CONSIDER WITHDRAWAL FROM THE STATE OF WISCONSIN HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN – RESOLUTION NO. 20-08: MOTION by Bernard, second by Burchill, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 20-08. Roll call vote, all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED. Discussion was held regarding the need to talk about the changes to the proposed health insurance plan before proceeding with the decision to withdraw from the State of Wisconsin health insurance plan.

Mayor Knudson shared information about the consultants that were hired to advise the City about health insurance coverage. It was noted that the Finance Committee recommended that the City leave the State insurance plan and utilize the Preferred One 2000.100.2 plan for active employees and annuitants under age 65, and to move annuitants over age 65 to a private Medica group/Medicare supplement plan. Discussion was held regarding the need to establish a Health Reimbursement Account to cover some portion of the proposed deductibles. The amounts will be determined during union negotiations. Administration of the program would be handled by a Preferred One contracted administrator. It was noted that the maximum lifetime benefit per family member would increase to $3 million, from the $2 million currently in place with the State plan. Routine health exams, lab work, immunizations, lab tests, cancer screenings, pre-natal and child health services and radiology services would be covered at 100% if the employees utilize the network providers. The majority of standard medical costs would be covered 100% after the deductibles are met. Information about the Medica group was also shared. The plan would include prescription drug coverage of $10, $20 and $40 levels, and the deductibles would not apply.

Mayor Knudson stated he did not anticipate any problems in the negotiations with the unions. He read Resolution No. 20-08. MOTION by O’Malley second by Burchill to adopt the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 20-08

WITHDRAWAL FROM WISCONSIN PUBLIC EMPLOYERS

GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM

WISCONSIN DEPT OF EMPLOYEE TRUST FUNDS - MADISON, WI

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED. Burchill praised Mayor Knudson for his time and efforts with the proposed health care change. He offered that it would be a win-win situation. O’Malley also thanked Administrator Willi for his contributions.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to authorize Devin Willi to begin the process with Associated Financial Group to change the employee and annuitant enrollment into the Preferred One 2000.100.20 health insurance plan, and to move the annuitants to a private Medicare Advantage Plan offered by Medica. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

CONSIDER WHETHER TO ADVERTISE RFPS FOR MUNICIPAL INSURANCE COVERAGE: Mayor Knudson shared information about the possibility of advertising for RFPs for municipal insurance coverage. He stated it had not been done since the year 2000, and it would probably be a good idea, as this was a large budget item. Information was shared regarding the various types of coverage currently in place. Discussion was held regarding the timeline. MOTION by Burchill, second by Brokaw, to advertise for bids for municipal insurance coverage. Library Director Linda Donaldson inquired about whether the Library insurance would be included; Burchill agreed to provide assistance. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

communications and items for future agendas: Mayor Knudson congratulated the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau for a successful Spirit of the St. Croix Days event.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill to adjourn. All ayes (6). MOTION CARRIED at 8:28 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 sent forth therein.

Dean Knudson, Mayor