CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 5, 2007

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 Randy Morrissette, Paul Radermacher, Lee Wyland, and Scot O’Malley.

ABSENT: Alderpersons Dennis O’Connell and Alan Burchill.

OTHERS PRESENT: Cathy Munkittrick, Devin Willi, Denny Darnold, Betty Caruso, Jim Frye, Don Maysack, Mike Wallace, Mark Christoffersen, Pat Sherley, Randy Hanson, Diane Joachim, Larry Joachim, Wes Joachim, Matt Briggs, and others.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Chamber of Commerce representative Pat Sherley shared information about upcoming events. She stated that the Christmas Tour of Homes and Craft Sale would be held Saturday, November 17^th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 18^th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Five private homes plus the Octagon House will be decorated and on display. Light-up Night will be held November 23^rd at 7:00 p.m. in downtown Hudson. A Candlelight Stroll will be November 30^th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Santa and his reindeer will be in Lakefront Park on Saturday, December 1^st from Noon to 4:00 p.m. Ms. Sherley encouraged everyone to attend the events and noted that more information is available at the Chamber of Commerce website: www.hudsonwi.org

Mark Christoffersen spoke regarding a letter he recently sent to the Council members requesting an agenda item at the next meeting. He stated he would like the Council to reconsider approving a beer license at his business. Mayor Breault responded that it could be an agenda item for the November 19^th meeting, but an ordinance would have to be adopted before a license for that type of business could be approved.

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

MINUTES: Approve the Public Hearing, Regular Meeting minutes and Closed Session minutes of 10/15/07, and the Special Meeting minutes and Closed Session minutes of 10/31/07.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

Fund	Description	PAYABLES	PAYROLL	TOTALS
100	General	306,616.05	247,520.77	554,136.82
230	Wisc DVL/RVL	0.07	0.00	0.07
231	SCBP-RVL Loan	43,427.00	0.00	43,427.00
410	Tax Increment Financing	503.25	0.00	503.25
450	Capital Projects	231,581.33	0.00	231,581.33
490	Biosolids	0.00	0.00	0.00
610	Sewer	36,159.11	21,052.62	57,211.73
620	Parking Utility	377.22	1,970.84	2,348.06
630	Ambulance	7,932.15	30,746.06	38,678.21
	TOTALS	$626,596.18	$301,290.29	$927,886.47

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Approve the issuance of a regular Operator’s License for the period 11/6/07 through 6/30/09 to:

Brenda J. Dohmen 1018 Chestnut St. Taylor Falls, MN

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the quarterly reports of the Building Inspector and City Clerk, and the Community Access Board minutes of 10/23/07.

Roll call vote, all ayes (4) MOTION CARRIED.

Conditional Use Permit for a vehicle repair garage at 1300 Gateway Circle(presently Indianhead Glass) – Matt Briggs, Briggs Auto Service: Denny Darnold stated that the Plan Commission recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit, with some specific conditions. Mr. Darnold explained that a public hearing was held by the Plan Commission on 10/25/07, and no public comment was received. He noted that a few neighboring businesses called him with specific questions that he responded to. The issue was raised regarding the number of parking spaces that would be available. Mr. Briggs stated that he would have a fenced area for storing tires and vehicles. He also noted that parking could be expanded, if needed.

Mr. Darnold reminded that the Conditional Use Permit would be reviewed again one year after occupancy. MOTION by Radermacher, second by Morrissette, to approve issuance of a Conditional Use Permit to Matt Briggs/Briggs Auto Service for a vehicle repair garage at 1300 Gateway Circle, with the following conditions:

· Plans must be submitted to address the plumbing and HVAC improvements, per the 10/22/07 memo from Building Inspector Mike Wallace

· The permit will be reviewed one year after occupancy as a vehicle repair garage

· Tires and junked vehicles need to be kept within the fenced area

All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Certified Survey Map for two residential lots south of Wisconsin Street at Wisconsin/6^th Street intersection – Steve Olin/Parkview Development LLC: denny Darnold reported that the Plan Commission recommended approval of the CSM for two residential lots as proposed by Parkview Development. He noted that the $18,570 Letter of Credit would be paid half by Parkview Development and half by Brian Hines.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve the Certified Survey Map as proposed by Parkview Development for two lots south of Wisconsin Street at the Wisconsin/Sixth Street intersection, with the following conditions:

· Parkview Development provide a $18,570 Letter of Credit to assure the installation of two sets of sanitary sewer and water utility services and the restoration of street, curb and gutter and boulevard

· Grading plans for both lots to be submitted for approval by the City prior to issuance of a building permit for either lot

Discussion was held regarding reinstallation of a catch basin in the parking lot for Prospect Park, and grading and adding a buffer for the residential area. That information will be provided to the Park Board.

All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Application of J.W. Kaladi’s LLC for Class B beer and Class C wine license d/b/a J.W. Kaladi’s Gourmet Escape at 3250 Heiser Street: Mayor Breault announced that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the license. MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve issuance of a Class B Beer and Class C Wine License to J.W. Kaladi’s LLC d/b/a J.W. Kaladi’s Gourmet Escape at 3250 Heiser Street, contingent on the agent’s completion of the required Responsible Beverage Server course. All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

2008 Assessment Maintenance Contract with Bowmar Appraisal: MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley to approve the 2008 Assessment Maintenance contract with Bowmar Appraisal Inc. in the amount of $21,100. Discussion included information that the Finance Committee and Assessor Mike Wallace recommended approval. Ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

2008 Capital Outlay proposal, and update on operational budget: finance Officer Betty Caruso reviewed information that the requests for Capital Outlay funding totaled approximately $3 million. She stated that it was determined that the Capital Outlay amount should be kept at approximately $1.5 million for long-term debt. She explained that last year short-term bonding of $245,000 occurred, and recommended that the same procedure be considered for 2008, since there will not be money available from the tax levy to purchase computers, emergency siren poles, and other small items.

Mayor Breault noted that the Public Hearing concerning the 2008 Budget would be held on November 19^th and that the 2008 Budget as well as Capital Outlay items would be considered as agenda items. He also noted that some items to be considered in the 2009 Budget would be the Comprehensive Plan and Lakefront Park benches and tables. He stated that a standardized design was being looked at for restrooms in all the parks.

He noted that a laptop computer, single-axle dump truck and asphalt roller were all eliminated from the Public Works budget requests. Also delayed were street improvements on Locust Street from 4^th to River Street, and Second and Vine, as well as storm sewer mitigation on Myrtle, Oak and 5^th ($400,000). However, storm water pumps ($5,000) were added to the budget.

Ms. Caruso requested direction on how to proceed with the short-term borrowing, stating that it needed to be in place before the 2008 Budget is adopted. She explained that the short-term borrowing recommended would increase the City’s mill rate to $4.23 per $1,000 of valuation. She stated that Council needed to authorize the debt this year for the 2008 budget, in order to qualify for next year’s tax levy.

Clarification was requested regarding short-term bonding costs for the proposed moving of the base radio at the Fire Department, and the roof repairs for the Public Safety Building.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to suspend the rules to vote on the short-term loan. Ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to authorize the Finance Officer to investigate interest rates for a $243,000 short-term loan (for Capital Outlay items) for 2008. Mayor Breault inquired whether anyone needed further clarification regarding the need for the loan. All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Update on projects: Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz’s update report was included in the Council packet. Denny Darnold stated he would like to review with the Finance Officer the upgrade for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and then bring the item to Council for consideration. He also stated that the traffic study for a proposed annexation would be considered at the same time.

Discussion was held regarding the Carmichael Road/Crest View Drive improvements. It was also noted that the Hanley Road Walkway survey results might be available at the next meeting.

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: Mayor Breault stated that the first reading was held at the October 15^th Council meeting. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to adopt the following:

ORDINANCE NO. 15-07

REZONING 1200 HOSFORD STREET FROM I-1 LIGHT INDUSTRIAL

TO B-2 GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

Ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider extending Fall Leaf Collection Program through November 10, 2007: o’malley announced that the Fall Leaf Collection Program would be extended through Saturday, November 10, 2007. He also shared that the cost to the City was 25 cents per dollar, with the rest reimbursed by the St. Croix County Recycling Program. He also noted that, if necessary, the hours could be extended again.

Consider combining Parks Department and Public Works Department personnel: Mayor Breault explained the need for combining the Parks Department and Public Works Department personnel. He cited the need for flexibility between Departments in order to complete projects, especially for snow removal during the winter months. He added that the Street Supervisor Tom Zeuli could then call on personnel as needed.

motion by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to formally combine the Parks and Public Works Department personnel. Discussion included that this would be for an indefinite period of time. Additional discussion was held regarding the inability to hire another person. Administrator Willi noted that the union contract would allow it. Additional discussion was held regarding the flexibility that combining department employees allows, and the supervisors and staff were complimented for their Department’s efforts. Ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MAYOR: Mayor Breault noted the effectiveness of the purchase order system and stated that it has been very beneficial in monitoring the budget.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: Morrissette questioned a rate increase announcement that was sent by Veolia Waste Services. The need to review their contract was noted. Morrissette called attention to a business that had a pile of used tires; he requested the Compliance Officer to check into the matter. The Compliance Officer was also requested to check into the report of a lawn that needed mowing at a Coulee Road business. The need for a sweep of the City for sign compliance was noted.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to adjourn at 7:37 p.m. All ayes (4). 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