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, and Scot O’Malley.

ABSENT: Alderpersons Alan Burchill and Lee Wyland were excused.

OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Cathy Munkittrick, Betty Caruso, Denny Darnold, David Bernard, Gordon Conard, Tom and Barb Zeuli, Mary Yacoub, Randy Hanson, Cathy Smolinske, Mike Mendez, Lesa Bentrup, Tammy and Todd Erskine, Scot Hallbeck, Jim Cooksey, Jim Huston, and others.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Jim Cooksey, 1020 Crest View Drive, spoke about his concern for a home in his neighborhood being used as a senior assisted living/care group situation. Todd Erskine, 1019 Crest View Drive also mentioned the topic and questioned whether a Conditional Use Permit was required and asked about the process that is normally followed.

Mayor Knudson stated that Denny Darnold was researching the concern and that it could be a future agenda item, if needed.

CONSENT AGENDA: Morrissette requested that the Change Order item be removed from the consent agenda. MOTION by Morrissette, second by Bernard, to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 10/20/08.

Conditional Use Permit review of Bridge for Hudson Youth, Inc. for use of the residence at 509 Front Street in conjunction with the School District of Hudson and other local agencies for a community site to conduct school classes, and out-of-school and respite activities relative to lifelong learning opportunities for youths with disabilities: Approve the continuance of the Conditional Use Permit to Bridge for Hudson Youth, Inc., in conjunction with the School District of Hudson and other local agencies, to use the residence at 509 Front Street for a community site to conduct school classes, out-of-school and respite activities to lifelong learning opportunities for youths with disabilities, with the same conditions placed on the permit as originally approved, except with no time period for review.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

FUND	DESCRIPTION	PAYABLES	PAYROLL	TOTALS
100	General	143,581.35	149,439.34	293,020.69
280	Park Donations	1,106.38	0.00	1,106.38
410	Tax Increment Financing	1,040,718.17	0.00	1,040,718.17
450	Capital Projects	290,174.13	0.00	290,174.13
610	Sewer	13,631.35	9,682.00	23,313.35
620	Parking	386.40	1,154.77	1,541.17
630	Ambulance	7,137.44	25,340.44	32,477.88
	Totals	1,496,735.22	185,616.55	1,682,351.77

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the quarterly report of the Community Development Director and the Community Access board minutes of 10/28/08.

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

Vacation of a portion of Pearson Drive to correct the street alignment in the northwest portion of the Hudson Chrysler parcel – Resolution No. 22-08: denny Darnold shared information that the vacation of a part of Pearson Drive results in the realignment of a portion of the street in front of the Hudson Chrysler dealership. He stated this was essentially a housekeeping item, and he recommended a first reading of the resolution. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to approve a first reading of Resolution No. 22-08, and to schedule a public hearing for 6:55 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2008, following publication of the class III public notices. All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: morrissette recused himself. Mayor Knudson stated the item needed to be postponed due to the lack of a quorum.

Change Order No. 3 for Lakefront Park Retaining Wall Project: Mayor Knudson reported that City Staff and the engineers recommended approval. He stated that Council had approved in August a $33,105 revision to the plans that involved raising the path at the north end and connecting the path at the south end. It was noted that the work has been completed. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to approve Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $20,418.00 to Pember Companies, Inc. for the Lakefront Park Retaining Wall Project. All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Determine funding source for light repairs to “Hudson” arch in Lakefront Park AND FUNDING SOURCE FOR REPAIRS TO SIDEWALKS ON WALNUT STREET BRIDGE IN LAKEFRONT PARK: Mayor Knudson explained that prior to the walleye fishing tournament, repairs were needed on the Hudson arch; he noted the Walnut Street bridge sidewalks also needed repairs. Finance Officer Betty Caruso reported that the sign repairs amounted to $1,878.80, and the repairs to the sidewalks on the Walnut Street bridge would be $2,205.25. She suggested using Contingency Funds to cover the repair expenses. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to approve the use of Contingency Funds for the repairs to the Hudson arch sign in Lakefront Park and the sidewalk repairs on the Walnut Street Bridge. Tom Zeuli explained the method that would be used for the sidewalk/bridge repairs. Ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider filling the vacancy in one Public Works/Parks Department maintenance position, and the part-time Deputy Municipal Court Clerk: mayor Knudson stated that since Council had approved a hiring freeze, it was necessary to consider filling each vacancy before proceeding further. City Administrator Devin Willi explained that the part-time Deputy Municipal Court Clerk position was funded in the Municipal Court budget for 2008 and 2009. He noted that he and Mayor Knudson and Judge Gherty all recommended filling the position. It was noted that the fine schedule for Municipal Court had been adjusted.

It was reported that the Public Works and Parks Department currently has two maintenance worker positions that are open. Tom Zeuli requested Council approval to post and advertise for one position at this time, and the other would be considered in the spring. It was noted that funding was in the budget for both 2008 and 2009. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Brokaw, to approve proceeding with filling the part-time Deputy Municipal Court position, and one Public Works/Parks Maintenance Worker position. Concerns for the need for employees to perform snow removal were noted. All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider additional pedestrian safety measures on Carmichael Road at Burl Oak Curve: mayor Knudson stated that the Public Safety Committee recommended approval. Safety concerns were raised. O’Malley stated his wish to enlarge the sidewalk area. Discussion was held regarding who would be responsible to pay for the crosswalk improvements. It was recommended that the School be contacted to contribute. MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley to approve the recommendation of the Public Safety Committee to remove the north and east crosswalks on Carmichael Road at Burl Oak Curve, paint blocks in the south and west crosswalks, improve the lighting by redirecting the angle of the street light and increasing the wattage, and recommend a Crossing Guard Program to the Prairie Elementary School Principal. all ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Update on Projects: Mayor Knudson reported that the engineer’s update was provided in the packet and Tom Zeuli was available to answer questions.

Resolution No. 21-08 – authorizing Ehlers & Associates to solicit bids for $250,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes for City of Hudson 2009 Capital Outlay: Finance Officer Betty Caruso stated the need for the promissory notes. She stated this was a housekeeping item done annually and it needed approval before the 2009 budget was finalized. She requested authorization for Ehlers & Associates to solicit bids for the notes. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 21-08. Roll call vote taken, Ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to adopt the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 21-08

AUTHORIZING EHLERS & ASSOCIATES, INC. TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR

$250,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION PROMISSORY NOTESS, SERIES 2008

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

O’Malley pointed out the need to proceed with adoption of the resolution, due to the Council’s meeting schedule. All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

consider amendments to Municipal Code, Chapter 59 re: appointed CitY officials – Ordinance No. 7-08: attorney Catherine Munkittrick pointed out the proposed amendments to Hudson City Code, Chapter 59 regarding officers and employees. She stated that the changes would make the Code consistent with State law, the current Employee Handbook, and would update the current job titles of officers and Department Heads. In §59-3.A, the titles “Public Works Superintendent”, “Planner/Zoning Administrator” and “Director of Parks and Recreation” would be deleted. “Building Inspector” would also be deleted from the Assessor title.

In §59-3.C, the new language stated that all such officers are appointed by the Common Council and shall serve at the pleasure of the Common Council. Also the language deleted the “for cause” language for removal of officers. In §59-5.B, the mandatory retirement age would be deleted. Ms. Munkittrick noted that if not deleted, this could be considered age discrimination.

In §59-6.B, the job titles were updated to reflect the current Department Head positions, and the addition of the City Administrator position. She also noted there may be a desire to change the City residency requirement. She stated that residency restrictions were legal in Wisconsin. One change could be to change “City” residency to “Hudson School District” residency; Council could decide whether this would be beneficial.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance No. 7-08. Roll call vote, Ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to adopt the following:

ORDINANCE NO. 7-08

AMENDMENTS TO MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 59 RE: APPOINTED OFFICIALS

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

Mayor Knudson stated that the residency topic came up recently during a hiring process. Additional information was shared regarding the desire for the best candidates, the possibility of hardship if someone was required to sell their home, and minimizing the pool of candidates. Ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider amending Municipal Code, Chapter 145-20 B(3)re: fermented malt beverage and intoxicating liquor license quota restrictions – Ordinance No. 8-08: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance No. 8-08. Roll call vote, ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED. Attorney Munkittrick explained that the changes would make the Code reflect how the liquor license quota has been interpreted. She noted that the proposed ordinance would exempt from the quota the six-month beer license issued to a non-profit corporation operating a concession stand in a municipal park. She noted that exempting this license from the quota had been a long-standing interpretation of the City Code, and there was a reasonable basis for not including the partial year license in the quota, because the establishment only operates part of the year, thereby reducing the impact it has on the City, positive or negative. This ordinance would free up a license subject to the quota to be available for a business that operates all year. She noted there was currently one beer license available in the City. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard, to adopt the following:

ORDINANCE NO. 8-08

AMENDMENTS TO MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 145-20 B(3)

RE: LIQUOR LICENSE QUOTA RESTRICTIONS

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

Ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Appointments to Public Utility Commission, Plan Commission, and Police and Fire Commission: mayor Knudson announced that Terrence Gherty recently resigned from the Police and Fire Commission, and he recommended that Mary Yacoub fill the remainder of his five-year term until 2010. He also noted the resignation of Don Mailloux; he recommended the appointment of Mary Claire Olson to the Plan Commission until 2010. He also recommended the reappointment of James Pribil to another five-year term on the Public Utility Commission. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Brokaw, to approve the foregoing Mayor’s appointments, as presented. All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Recognition of commemorative U.S. flag donated to Parks Department: mayor Knudson reported that a flag that had been flown over the city of Bagdad had been donated to the City. He expressed thanks for the donation and noted that the flag would be placed on display.

Update on Room Tax receipts and allocations: An update on Room Tax receipts and allocations was provided. Mayor Knudson requested the Finance Officer share information on the checks that were distributed from the closure of TIF District No. 4. Betty Caruso reported that the Hudson School District received $1.8 million, St. Croix County received $780,000 and the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College received $250,000. The City of Hudson received $1.1 million dollars. Mayor Knudson thanked Denny Darnold for his efforts in making St. Croix Business Park a success, and requested that the Business Park Board of Directors be invited to attend the next Council meeting to receive recognition.

communications and items for future agendas: administrator Willi graciously thanked the more than 60 Election Inspectors and City Staff members who contributed to the process of the November 4^th Presidential Election. He also extended sympathy to the family of Rollie Becker, a former Election Inspector who passed away on Election Day. Mr. Willi also called attention to his update report on activities regarding health insurance, energy audit, staff recruitment, Public Safety Building study, the 2009 Budget proposal, and RFPs for municipal insurance coverage.

CLOSED SESSION pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats. to review and approve the employment contract and hiring of the Public Works and Parks Director: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats. to review and approve the employment contract and hiring of the Public Works and Parks Director. Roll call vote, all ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED at 8:02 p.m.

Reconvene in open session for possible action on employment contract and hiring of Public Works and Parks Director: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette to reconvene into Open Session for possible action on employment contract and hiring of Public Works and Parks Director. All ayes, (4), MOTION CARRIED at 8:22 p.m. City Attorney Munkittrick advised that a language change needed to be made to the contract regarding the residency requirement.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to offer the Public Works and Parks Director position to Tom Zeuli to be effective 11/11/08 at a salary rate of $67,000 for 2008. All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette to adjourn. All ayes (4). MOTION CARRIED at 8:24 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