CITY OF HUDSON COMMON
COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER
16, 2009
Meeting called to order by
Mayor Dean Knudson in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:15 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, and Scot O’Malley.
ABSENT: Alderperson Alan Burchill was excused.
OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Betty Caruso,
Denny Darnold, Marty Jensen, David Gray, Tom Zeuli, Gordon Conard, Henry Chan,
Randy Hanson, Mary Yacoub, Andy Kron, Brian Hinz, Linda Donaldson, Jim
O’Connor, Diane and Larry Joachim, and others.
COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Mayor Knudson called for
comments and suggestions from citizens present; Diane Joachim, owner of Bear Buddies
Day Care Center and J.W. Kaladi’s Restaurant spoke regarding her concerns about
signage. She noted that removal of the signs, as requested would adversely
affect their business. She requested
they be allowed to keep the signs. Mayor
Knudson provided her a handout of material regarding information that would be
talked about later in the meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION by Wyland, second by Bernard to
approve the following Consent Agenda items:
MINUTES: Approve the Regular meeting minutes of 11/02/09.
Reviewal and consideration to extend the Conditional Use Permits for
Wiseway Motor Freight motor freight terminals at 1300 Industrial Street and 1400 Swasey St., and adjacent
parking lots – Wiseway Motor Freight: Approve
extension of the Conditional Use Permits for Wiseway
Motor Freight at 1300 Industrial Street and 1400 Swasey Street and adjacent
parking lots with the following conditions:
·
Next
review required in November 2014
·
Retention
and maintenance of the required berm and
landscaping
on the north and west side of the site and
required
perimeter fencing
·
No
on-street parking of cabs and trailers
·
No
advertising of the sale or sales of trucks
Review and consider extension
of a Conditional Use Permit for Mills Fleet Farm garden center, 1001 Industrial
Street – Mills Fleet Farm: Approve extension of the Conditional Use Permit for
a garden center at Mills Fleet Farm, 1001 Industrial Street with the following conditions:
·
Next
review required in November 2014
·
Garden
Center allowed to be open from April 15 to July 15
of each year
·
Garden Center
shall remain in compliance with the Fire
Inspector’s memorandum of 1/20/03
Claims: Approve the following
claims for payment:
|
FUND |
DESCRIPTION |
PAYABLES |
PAYROLL |
TOTALS |
|
100 |
General |
166,786.04 |
126,389.11 |
293,175.15 |
|
450 |
Capital
Projects |
287,547.69 |
0.00 |
287,547.69 |
|
490 |
Biosolids |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
610 |
Sewer |
30,363.30 |
10,723.60 |
41,086.90 |
|
620 |
Parking |
1,528.13 |
1,154.50 |
2,682.63 |
|
630 |
Ambulance |
6,237.96 |
8,597.77 |
14,835.73 |
|
|
Totals |
492,463.12 |
146,864.98 |
639,328.10 |
Application
of Joel Marvin, 3 Friendskeep Green, Hudson, for Secondhand Article Dealer’s
license d/b/a Piece By Piece, 225 Locust Street, Hudson: Approve the issuance of a Secondhand Article
Dealer’s License to Joel Marvin d/b/a Piece By Piece at 225 Locust Street,
Hudson, WI.
Change
of agent for liquor license at Hudson Golf Club: Approve the appointment of Angelique R.
Young, 1005 Morgan Road, River Falls, WI as agent for the liquor license of the
Hudson Wisconsin Country Club, Inc. d/b/a Hudson Golf Club at 201 Carmichael
Rd., Hudson, WI.
Consider
possible solutions to speed concerns at Coons Hill Park access: Approve installing a stop sign exiting Coons
Hill Park, and refer the matter of speed control measures to the Park
Board.
REPORTS
OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, and COMMISSIONS: Place on file the
Quarterly Report of the Water Utility Director, the semi-annual report of the
IT Coordinator, the unapproved Public Utility Commission minutes of October 12,
2009, and the Library Board minutes of 10/12/09.
Roll call vote: Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.
Final
development plan for remodeling and addition to 529 Second Street and
recommendation for waiver of parking requirement – Monarch Ventures, LLC/Andy
Kron: Denny Darnold stated the Plan Commission
recommended approval of the final development plans presented and granting a
waiver regarding the required nine off-street parking spaces. He shared information about the current
condition of the building, amount of space available for parking, size of the
lot, and the possibility of waiving the requirement for off-street
parking. He noted if no waiver is
granted the project may not move ahead. MOTION
by Morrissette, second by Brokaw to approve the final development plans for the
addition and remodeling project at 529 Second Street and to waive the
requirement for nine off-street parking spaces.
The possibility of
implementing a program in lieu of providing off-street parking, which could
include paying a fee per required stall, was discussed, along with the need for
an ordinance change at a future meeting. Andy Kron spoke regarding the timing
of the project, the desire not to delay, and acknowledged the parking concern.
Vote taken; Ayes (3); Bernard and O’Malley voted No (2) - MOTION CARRIED.
Set public hearing for Comprehensive Plan
and Ordinance adoption for Monday, December 21, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.: Denny Darnold stated the Plan Commission approved a
resolution approving the Comprehensive Plan and forwarding it to Council. He noted a public hearing was necessary and
suggested it be scheduled for December 21, 2009 at 6:45, if Council is meeting
that day. Discussion was held regarding
the Comprehensive Plan requirements, the need for an ordinance to be adopted, meeting
dates, and Council availability. MOTION
by Morrissette, second by Bernard to set the Public Hearing for adoption of the
Comprehensive Plan for December 21, 2009 at 6:45 p.m. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.
Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Morrissettee recused
himself. MOTION by Wyland, second by
Bernard to approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period
11/17/2009 to 6/30/2011 to:
Robert
L. Amundson 950 Trout Brook Road Hudson, WI
Kelsey
M. Anderson N8350 Cty Rd. Y Spring Valley, WI
Brian
C. Bennett 1522 Summer Street Hudson, WI
Brian
A. Bistodeau 1717 Golfview Circle Hudson, WI
Dominick
A. Perricelli 655 Ban Tara Lane Hudson, WI
Adam
S. Wekkin 331 6th
Street North Hudson, WI
Ian
S. Weston 2221 B Namekagon
St. Hudson, wI
Edward
W. Wolbank 2229 White Pine Drive Hudson, WI
All ayes (4) MOTION CARRIED.
Application of Shanghai Hudson LLC for Class “B” Beer
and Class C Wine license d/b/a Shanghai Bistro, 2420 Gateway Court, Hudson, WI: Mayor Knudson stated the Finance Committee recommended
approval of the beer and wine licenses.
He noted it was the last Class “B” (beer) license available to be
issued. MOTION by Wyland, second by Brokaw
to approve the issuance of a Class “B” (beer) and “Class C” wine licenses to
Shanghai Hudson LLC d/b/a Shanghai Bistro at 2420 Gateway Court, contingent on
successful completion of the building and fire inspections, and receipt of a
copy of their Restaurant License. It was
noted a utility payment of $165.75 was received. The General Manager provided a brief
description of the family owned establishment and noted their desire for a full
liquor license. He noted the need to
hire about 100 people to get the restaurant up and running.
Mayor
Knudson responded on the need for the population to increase before another
full liquor license could be issued. The
criteria Council follows when reviewing license applications was noted. All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED.
Recommendations
from Room Tax Grant Board for 2010 allocations, and update on 2009 Room Tax
revenues and 2010 budget projections: Mayor Knudson explained that third quarter room tax
revenue was down significantly from the budgeted amount, due to fewer lodgings
lately. He also shared information about
the Room Tax Grant Board and the structure of the percentages given to the
Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, City Tourism & Beautification, and Grant
Program. Discussion was held regarding
modifying the allocations suggested by the Room Tax Board and the Finance
Committee. MOTION by Morrissette, second
by Wyland to approve the amounts suggested by the Finance Committee and award
the Senior Center $2,700 in 2010, and 2010 Room Tax Grant awards of $3,000 to the
Phipps Center for the Arts and the Pee Wee International Organization, and
$2,500 to the Hot Air Affair. Discussion
was held concerning the history of the Hot Air Affair, which was previously
under the auspices of the Chamber but reorganized to a separate entity. All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Knudson also pointed out that the 2010 Room Tax revenue
amount has been adjusted down to reflect a more realistic number, due to
reduced lodgings in the third quarter.
He noted that the groups approved for the grant funds will get the
amounts awarded, but the Chamber’s amount will float based on the actual amount
of room taxes collected. Morrissette
suggested the possibility that the Room Tax rate be increased.
Possible
reconsideration of award of residential trash and recycling contract to Veolia
Environmental Services, and possible action regarding award of residential
trash and recycling collection contract: Mayor Knudson explained his desire for the topic to be
brought back for reconsideration due to additional information discovered about
tipping fees, fuel surcharges, and recycling options. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to
bring back for reconsideration the topic of awarding the residential trash and
recycling contract. All ayes (5) MOTION
CARRIED.
Finance Officer Betty Caruso stated that extensive review
of the proposed contracts was conducted by Tom Zeuli, Deb Andrews and herself. She presented detailed information about the
comparisons between the Veolia and Waste Management proposals. She noted the benefits of bi-weekly recycling
(which reduces tonnage for garbage), the fuel surcharge historically would not
apply, and that billing amounts were recalculated. Following review, Staff
recommended awarding the contract to Veolia.
Discussion was held regarding the desire to provide better
information and options for service and recycling. MOTION by Wyland, second by Brokaw to approve
awarding the 2010-2014 Refuse and Recycling contract to Veolia Environmental
Services at the fixed rate amount, Option #1, and using bi-weekly recycling
services. Additional information was
shared that the recycling containers would be distributed by Veolia. All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED.
Consider
authorization to spend up to $15,000 for professional services during the
evaluation/inspection period of the buildings at 700 First Street and 701
Second Street: Mayor
Knudson announced the Finance Committee did not have time to discuss the
topic. He noted some pro-bono work has
been received. He recommended having the
survey updated from Cedar Corporation in order to clear some exceptions, at an
estimated cost of $2,500.00 and to pay Bonestroo Engineers $2,500 for the
inspection of the mechanical and structural soundness of the building.
Mayor Knudson requested authorization to spend up to an
additional $10,000 for additional evaluations and studies on the two
properties. Concept ideas for remodeling
the 701 Second Street building, and cost estimates are needed. There are also some changes needed at the 700
First Street address in order for the Police Department to move there. Additional information was shared regarding
the need to meet with potential tenants, remodeling possibilities, lease
agreements, and rental amounts. Detailed
sources and uses of funds, and annual operating budget information were also
shared. MOTION by O’Malley, second by
Wyland to authorize spending up to $15,000 for the professional special
services during the evaluation/inspection period. The funding would come from the 2009
Contingency Fund. All ayes (5) MOTION
CARRIED.
Consider
advertising for design proposals for Weitkamp Park pavilion/restroom: Mayor Knudson stated this capital request has
been the long-term plan of the Park Board for some time. They request authorization to proceed with
obtaining design proposals. It was noted
that the funding would come from the account named Park Impact Fees-Trust
B-South of I-94. MOTION by Wyland,
second by O’Malley to approve the request to advertise for design proposals for
the Weitkamp Park pavilion/restroom project.
All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED.
2010 Budget for municipal operations – Ordinance No. 12-09: Mayor Knudson shared brief
comments regarding the reduction in the amount of Shared Revenues,
Transportation Aids, and Building Permits.
He noted the purchase of the NMC Building was in the budget and included
utilities at both the current Municipal Building and the NMC building for a couple
of months. He advised direction was
given to the Department Heads for zero dollar budget increases, cuts have been
made, and efficient work was being done.
Additional
information was shared regarding the Building Inspector position changes over
the past year, the decrease in the fuel costs, possible boat launch changes,
lighting at Grandview Park, the Wisconsin Street repair project, and Police
Department furniture expenses.
MOTION by
O’Malley, second by Bernard to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance
number 12-09. Roll call vote taken, All
ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by
O’Malley, second by Bernard to adopt the following:
ORDINANCE NO. 12-09
2010 APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE
FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS
(Copy on file in Clerk’s
office)
All ayes
(5) MOTION CARRIED.
Consider
Hudson Area Joint Library Lease Agreement for space in building at 700 First
Street, Hudson, WI: City Attorney Catherine
Munkittrick presented information and new copies of an updated Lease and Option
to Purchase Agreement with the Hudson Area Joint Library. Four changes were reviewed, including
conditions regarding maintenance of vehicles in the garage, allocating six
parking spaces for the Police Department, sub-leasing concerns, and a provision
regarding the standard requirement to abide by lawful ordinances. Concerns were raised by the Joint Library
Board’s legal counsel regarding the ability of the City to adopt ordinances
that could affect the Library’s lease and option to purchase the property. There was a concern about the City being the
landlord and the rule maker. The parties
agreed on wording that could be added to address the concern.
MOTION by
O’Malley, second by Wyland to accept the slight revisions included on the Joint
Library Lease Agreement as written by Attorney Munkittrick, and move forward.
Detailed explanations
regarding the Lease Agreement were provided by Mayor Knudson and City Attorney
Munkittrick. O’Malley questioned the
section on “Restrictions On Use” and the desire to remove the words “past and
present” as it pertains to the Library complying with laws, statutes, and
restrictions. After discussion was held,
he agreed to leave the wording as it was presented.
Library
Board President Jim O’Connor, presented wording changes to the City Attorney
that neither party would be allowed to sub-lease the property. All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED. Additional discussion was held regarding
signing the final document.
Update on proposed purchase of buildings at 700 1st
St. and 701 2nd St.: Mayor Knudson provided a
Short Term and Long Term Facilities Plan which included information about the
possible purchase of land and buildings to meet the long term facility needs of
the City. It specifically addressed the
purchase of the NMC building, relocation of City Departments, sale of the
Municipal Building at 911 Fourth Street, EMS and Fire Department challenges,
funding the purchase, and operational costs.
Update on downtown lighting: Mayor Knudson shared information about recent
changes to LED lamps in the decorative lighting to conserve energy. He noted there should be at least an 80%
saving on electricity of approximately $2,000.
The lighting was purchased with remaining funds in the 2009 Decorative Lighting
budget, the 2009 Banners budget, and the Energy Efficiency Upgrade fund. The lighting was also inspected and repaired.
Information re: enforcement of Municipal Code Ch. 202 –
signage: Mayor Knudson noted the
number of sign related complaints that are received, and the difficulty of
enforcement. He requested Building
Inspector David Gray to draft a policy that could be used to uniformly enforce
the sign regulations. A three-step
process was developed that involves violators receiving two written warnings,
before a citation is written. He noted
written warnings were issued last week.
Additional information was shared regarding vinyl banner signs and
sandwich-board signs. He also noted that
the current Municipal Code does not address LED technology, and recommended Council
enact a moratorium on the erection of electronic message board signs until the
Code can be amended.
COMMUNICATIONS
AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: Wyland
requested review of Section 202 concerning signage. Denny Darnold stated the item could be an
agenda item at the Plan Commission meeting on December 3rd.
Brokaw
asked about setting a public hearing regarding the NMC Building. Mayor Knudson responded that it could be done
at the December 7th meeting, or at a special meeting. She also requested the 2010 budget documents
be placed on the website.
Bernard
requested an agenda item regarding a moratorium on flashing signs at the next
Council meeting.
ADJOURN: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to
adjourn. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED
at 9:40 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 R. Knudson, Mayor