CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 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, Dennis O’Connell, Paul Radermacher, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley and Alan Burchill.

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Cathy Munkittrick, Devin Willi, Angela Popenhagen, Chuck Schwartz, Denny Darnold, Gordon Conard, Marty Jensen, Kim Heinemann, Mick Howland, Dean Knudson, and others.

 

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT:  Gordon Conard commented and shared his concerns for funding additional positions in the Police Department.  He expressed his budgeting concerns and stated that a referendum was probably needed.  Mr. Conard also stated that he believed Council made a good decision to postpone action until a new Police Chief is in place.  He questioned the steps and timeline needed for referendum.

 

City Administrator Willi responded that he would look into the wording of the new Statutes and advised that a referendum needs to have budget wording and numbers, and they are normally done in November.  He agreed to follow up on the matter.  Morrissette requested that the citizens in the community be informed and educated about the Police Department needs.  O’Malley noted the need for long-range planning; more than one year at a time.  Mayor Breault reviewed that the new Police Chief would be able to make recommendations to the Council and that in the second half of 2008 there would be some funding available.

 

Chamber of Commerce President Kim Heinemann complimented the City, the business community, and members of the community for their support during recent holiday events.  She also stated appreciation for the beautiful decorations and the partnership and support from the area businesses.  Mayor Breault expressed appreciation to the Chamber and Tourism Bureau as well. 

 

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

 

MINUTES:  Approve the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting minutes of 11/19/07.

 

Claims:  Approve the following claims for payment:

 

Fund

Description

PAYABLES

PAYROLL

Totals

100

General

251,781.28

157,491.90

409,273.18

230

Wisc DVL/RVL

15.00

0.00

15.00

231

SCBP-RVL Loan

255.00

0.00

255.00

280

Park Donations

1,967.43

0.00

1,967.43

310

Debt Service

43,409.10

0.00

43,409.10

410

Tax Increment Financing

9,930.30

0.00

9,930.30

450

Capital Projects

45,268.91

0.00

45,268.91

610

Sewer

20,121.75

10,251.51

30,373.26

620

Parking Utility

1,657.19

1,063.26

2,720.45

630

Ambulance

18,826.76

7,772.93

26,599.69

 

                       TOTALS

$393,232.72

$176,579.60

$569,812.32

 

Applications for Operator’s Licenses:  Approve the issuance of a   regular Operator’s License for the period 12/03/07 through 6/30/09 to:

 

Susan K. Ellis             1242 Edgcumbe Road         St. Paul, MN

Amy M. Hunn                6206 Inwood Ct. N.         Stillwater, MN

Roy W. Hunn                6206 Inwood Ct. N.         Stillwater, MN

Thomas P. Mattson          6919 99th  Ct. S.          Cottage Grove, MN

Denise Messina             511 Nye Street             Hudson, WI

Minnie R. Smith           503 Spruce Drive                Hudson, WI

    

And issuance of a Temporary Operator’s License to be used December 6, 2007 to:

 

Kimber Lee Heinemann      558 Perch Lake Road        Hudson, WI

 

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS:  Place on file the quarterly report of the Library Director.

 

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

 

Application of Hudson Chamber of Commerce for Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer and wine on 12/6/07 at their December Business Spotlight at Citizens State Bank, 375 Stageline Road, Hudson, WI:  Mayor Breault reported that the Finance Committee recommended approval.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell to approve issuance of a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce to sell beer and wine on 12/6/07 at the December Business Spotlight event at Citizens State Bank, 375 Stageline Road, and that the next meeting agenda should have an agenda item of whether to authorize the City Attorney to clarify the temporary retailers license requirements and consider amending the Municipal Code so that this is no longer a murky area.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review bids and consider ordering two Police Dept. squad cars for delivery in 2008:  police Sgt. Marty Jensen presented two quotes for the purchase of two squad cars for delivery in 2008.  The bid from Ewald Chevrolet was in the amount of $22,080 each, and the bid from Dave Holt Ford was $21,550.  He explained that both bids were for black and white squads, and that the Holt Ford bid was $530 lower for each car.  He noted that the 2008 Police Department budget allowed $56,000 for the vehicles, and he recommended approval of the purchase from Dave Holt Ford.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by Wyland to approve the purchase of two Police Department Crown Victoria squad cars from Dave Holt Ford for $21,550 each.  Discussion included information that there would be money in the budget to outfit the squads.  All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Plans for 2008 Walleye Fishing Tournament event in Hudson:  mick Howland of Dry Dock shared information regarding the plans for hosting a 2008 Walleye Fishing Tournament in Hudson.  He noted that the contest is the best of the best in the region and the world, and would involve 120 super-pro fishermen and 120 amateurs.  He noted that it would be a huge project for the City and the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, and he appreciated the efforts of everyone involved.  Additional information was shared about the Professional Walleye Trail organization.  Mr. Howland called attention to the need for other municipalities in the area to be involved with the event, and stated he hoped that it could become an annual event here.  His concerns included parking and the need for volunteers.  He stated the tournament would be a 10-day event; the contest would be October 16th, 17th and 18th, with activities during the prior week.  Mayor Breault encouraged participation and stated that this could be the largest event to be hosted here.  He also stated that it would create a lot of business for the area.  It was noted that a presentation would be given to the Park Board, as part of the process.  Mayor Breault requested that a quarterly update be provided.

 

Update on projects:  Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz stated that the signal work at Coulee and 11th Street had not yet been completed, but they anticipate it should be finished on Tuesday.  He also pointed out that the overhead sign for the triple left-turn on Crest View Drive would not be installed for two more months.  Mayor Breault requested clarification on the arrows for the signal at the 11th and Coulee Road intersection.  The survey work for the walking path on Hanley Road was completed, but results have not yet been received.  Mayor Breault requested Mr. Schwartz to check into grass complaints regarding the Nye and Aldrich curb and gutter project.

 

Extension of sanitary sewer to River Crest Elementary School:  Denny Darnold explained the sanitary sewer extension to the new River Crest Elementary School.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to refer to the Public Works Committee the City Engineer’s review comments, and to work on getting answers to the issues presented.  It was noted that the Public Works Committee would be meeting on December 17th.  Engineer Angela Popenhagen of Stevens Engineers addressed some of the issues.  Questions were presented regarding the start date and future sewer options in the area.  O’Malley recommended having engineers Schwartz and Popenhagen work on the issues for presentation to the Public Works Committee and to bring them to the Council for final approval, possibly on December 17th.  The need to bid the project and obtain a budget number for the School District was noted.  Ayes (5); Morrissette voted No - MOTION CARRIED.

 

appointment of election inspectors for the period 1/1/08 to 12/31/09:  Clerk Korson complimented the political parties for submitting their recommendation for appointments of Election Inspectors.  She stated that their help in the election process is appreciated.  O’Malley commended the Inspectors for working long hours on election days.

 

MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the appointment of Election Inspectors for the period 1/1/08 through 12/31/09 to the following:

 

For the Democratic Party:

 

Patricia Bakken      425 Division Street

Roland Becker        1602 Aldrich Avenue

Martha Brooks        909 Girard Street

Dan Bruch            621 Hickory Road

Elizabeth Bruch      621 Hickory Road

Carolyn Carlson      1626 Hunter Hill Road

Annette DeWitte      726 Wisconsin Street

Donald Gilbertson    1402 Third Street

Kathleen Hachey      1321 Hazelcrest Drive

Michael Hachey       1321 Hazelcrest Drive

John Haugo           1407 Croix Crest Drive

Linda James          2019 Lilac Lane

Deane Jewett         605 Grandview Drive

Joanne Jewett        605 Grandview Drive

Lori Kisling         927 Eighth Street

Nancy Langness       1422 Croix Crest Drive

Ron Langness         1422 Croix Crest Drive

Clark Leeson         1310 Hazelcrest Drive

Heidi Leeson         1310 Hazelcrest Drive

Bernardene Luebke    915 St. Croix Street

LaVonne McCombie           715 Wisconsin Street

Carol McCuen         411 Mallalieu Drive

Beverly Radermacher  1702 Hunter Hill Road

Neala Kay Shager           1706 Hunter Hill Road

Penny Smith          1810 Willow Drive

LaVetta Vindal       923 Summer Street

Paula Willi          1608 Stonepine Court

Priscilla Wyeth      611 Twelve Oaks Lane

 

For the Republican Party:

 

Patti Cardenas       1820 River Ridge Road, #4

Marya Smith          508 Grandview Drive

June Waalen          1405 Frear Street

Don Mailloux         1533 Laurel Avenue

Judy Mailloux        1533 Laurel Avenue

Elizabeth McCormick  1123 Briarwood Court

Mary Redner          714 Wisconsin Street

Gail Kotoski         1123 Fourth Street

Suzanne Wilson       809 Oak Street

Lyle Warning         2003 Chestnut Drive

Mary Martin          1416 Wheat Grass

Pam Brokaw           1813 Albert Street

Pat Mechelke         113 Hoyt Street

Pat Ecker            231 Twelfth Street

Carol Szyman         802 Twelfth Street

Dolores Taavola      1111 Briarwood Court

Carolyn Ahrens       641 Proehl’s Trail

Susan Haider         78 Meadowlark Drive

Judy Kelly           1704 Chestnut Drive

Jean Troyer          1721 Hunter Hill Road

Willetta Breault           401 Mallalieu Drive

Joan Christopher           1322 Third Street

Jan Buege            1314 Seventh Street

Mary Lau             1305 St. Croix Heights

Karen Bailey         1601 Chestnut Drive

 

All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider amendment to Municipal Code, Chapter 207 re: Annual Solid Waste Collection License/Recycling Permits – Ordinance No. 17-07 (or Ordinance No. 1-08, depending on possible adoption date):  Denny Darnold explained the need to consider updating the Municipal Code regarding solid waste collection and recycling permits.  He noted a recent request for a recycling event and that traffic control was a concern.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to authorize Denny Darnold to work with the City Attorney to revise the Municipal Code and consider changes to Chapter 207.  Mr. Darnold noted that a draft ordinance could be available for the December 17th meeting.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:  Mayor Breault complimented the Public Works Department for their work and recent snow removal efforts.

 

Burchill requested exploring the possibility of reopening the Exit 1-a ramp on I-94.  Mayor Breault suggested attending the DOT meetings being held on the restructuring of I-94. Denny Darnold suggested authorizing Mayor Breault to write to the DOT District 6 office to introduce the subject, and bring back for discussion at a future Council meeting.  Council was in agreement.

 

The status of the traffic study for Carmichael Road and Vine Street was questioned.  Denny Darnold stated that a meeting would be scheduled in January.

 

Morrissette requested O’Malley to review a recent letter concerning possible increased rates for garbage collection.  O’Malley agreed to look into the contract on behalf of the Public Works Committee.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to adjourn at 7:46 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