CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 7, 2005

 

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Meeting called to order by Mayor Jack Breault in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:00 P.M.

 

PRESENT:  Mayor Breault, Alderpersons Dennis O’Connell, Paul Radermacher, Roger Riedel, Scot O’Malley, and Carah Koch.

 

ABSENT:  Alderperson Mike Laatsch.

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Catherine Munkittrick, Dennis Darnold, Linda Donaldson, Randy Hanson, Dick Trende, Jeff Richie, Dennis Postler, Jeff Johnson, Erin and Endre Govrick, Mark Erickson, Kim Heinemann, Rob Werthheimer, Melissa Dahl, Nickolas Tierney, Marianne Buckman, and others.

 

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT:  Nickolas Tierney, 620 Countryside Lane, stated that he has lived in this area for 13 years and was in favor of the proposal by E and E Adventures for the Twisted Grill restaurant at 502 Second Street.  He noted that he would prefer not driving to the Twin Cities for social life, and added that a non-chain food establishment employing local workers would be advantageous to the City as a whole.  He also stated that parking should not be considered a problem;  it is every man/woman for themselves, and that is common everywhere.

 

  Melissa Dahl explained that she has been a Hudson resident since 1995, and she, her husband, and another party own three buildings, including the one at 501 Second Street.  She stated that earlier she had sent the Mayor and Council an email indicating her questions and concerns.  Mayor Breault noted that because the liquor license application for the Twisted Grill restaurant was not an item on the agenda, counsel informed him that there could be no discussion, but they could listen to the public comments.

 

  Mayor Breault asked Ms. Dahl to summarize her comments.  She stated she did not believe there was a parking problem downtown, as there are a number of lots that provide ample parking.  Ms. Dahl noted that as a building owner she was very concerned with this proposal as well as any future tenants, and wondered whether the parking situation would affect them all.  She stated that building owners should be able to choose their tenants, and added that the Twisted Grill would be a great addition to the downtown and the entire community.  Ms. Dahl thanked the Council members who had responded to her email.

 

  Marianne Buckman, owner of the CocoBello store at 509 Second Street, stated that Hudson has a fabulous, historic downtown area with the river just outside their doors.  She hoped that the Council believed in growth such as restaurants and more retailers, and noted numerous positive comments from her customers.  Ms. Buckman wished to go on record as supporting new restaurants and retailers in the City.

 

  Rob Werthheimer stated that he was an attorney representing Melissa Dahl and Jeff Johnson, but was also speaking as a citizen.  He noted he has been a Hudson resident at 925 Seventh Street for 14 years.  Mr. Werthheimer stated that he believed the restaurant would be good and parking would not be an issue.  He indicated that having different types of good restaurants downtown was a tradition and an important part of maintaining a historic downtown.

 

  Jeff Johnson thanked the Council members as well as those who came and showed their support, noting that it was unexpected.  Endre Govrick also thanked those who indicated support for the restaurant, and noted he was eagerly awaiting the Council meeting to get some closure and direction on his proposal.  He hoped that he would not have to look elsewhere for a new location.  Mr. Govrick stated that the Council members would likely be some of his best customers and he hoped they would take a serious look at his venue as an asset to the community.  He requested that a Council meeting be scheduled as soon as possible.

 

  Mayor Breault responded that the license application would be considered as soon as all Council members are in attendance, which should be March 7th.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:   MOTION by O’Connell, second by Radermacher, to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

 

MINUTES: Approve the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting minutes of 1/17/05, and the Closed Session minutes of 1/17/05.

 

Claims:   Approve the following claims for payment:

 

Fund

Description

payables

payroll

Totals

100

General

175,033.19

124,386.77

299,419.96

230

Wisc DVL/RVL

3,343.21

0.00

3,343.21

231

SCBP-RVL Loan

1,433.00

0.00

1,433.00

350

Special Assessments

18,565.59

0.00

18,565.59

410

Tax Increment Financing

15,734.85

0.00

15,734.85

450

Capital Projects

13,485.30

0.00

13,485.30

610

Sewer

32,119.82

9,743.64

41,863.46

620

Parking Utility

1,825.79

844.06

2,669.85

630

Ambulance

21,235.39

14,826.48

36,061.87

860

Tax Agency

777,152.16

0.00

777,152.16

 

             Totals

$1,059,928.30

$149,800.95

$1,209,729.25

 

     Applications for Operator’s Licenses:   Approve the issuance of regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 2/8/05 through 6/30/06 to the                              following:

 

     Tara Sue Kattre      40 Frank Street            Roberts, WI

     Othmane Salahiddine  215 McKnight Rd. #306      St. Paul, MN

     Rachel Anne Baker    113˝ E. Elm Street #202    River Falls, WI

     Branden Lee Ellefson 714 Monroe Street North    Hudson, WI

 

           St. Croix E.M.S. write-offs:   Approve the St. Croix E.M.S. write-offs in the amount of $4,009.18, as recommended by LifeQuest, following Phase III of their collection procedures.

 

     Petition for Direct Annexation filed by First Presbyterian Church:  To        refer to the Plan Commission the Petition for Direct Annexation filed by First Presbyterian Church for their 8-acre property on Vine Street.

 

     Application of Dennis Kroll and Thomas Springer to rezone 717 Second  Street and 720 First Street from I-1 Light Industrial to B-3, Central Business District:  To refer to the Plan Commission and schedule a public hearing date for the application of Dennis Kroll and Thomas Springer to rezone 717 Second Street and 720 First Street from I-1, Light Industrial, to B-3, Central Business District.

 

     REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:  To place on file the quarterly reports of the City Clerk, and the Community Access Board minutes of 1/25/05 and St. Croix E.M.S. Commission minutes of 1/24/05.

 

     Roll call vote, all ayes (5) – MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Library Director’S REPORT:  Library Director Linda Donaldson reviewed the information in her written report.  She also stressed the importance of the Library for individuals in the community, that it is taken seriously, and is a very important factor in their lives.  Mayor Breault stated he understood that Library usage has increased and that they are doing an excellent job.

 

Request of Mark Erickson to rezone a vacant parcel south of Crest View       Drive and west of Heggen Street from R-1, One-family Residential             District to OFC – Office District – Ordinance No. 2-05:  Community Development Director Dennis Darnold reported that the Plan Commission recommended the rezoning.  O’Connell inquired whether or not sidewalks would be considered during construction.  Mr. Darnold responded that sidewalks could be given considered during development plan review.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to adopt the following, pending review of Public Safety issues including emergency response and accessibility, and safe public street access, and with the stipulation that the developer will be required to implement the best management erosion control measures possible.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2-05

REZONING PARCEL FROM R-1 TO OFC

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

Request of Jeffrey and Jo Richie to vacate portions of Eighth Street AND WALNUT Street – Resolution No. 16-04:  Dennis Darnold explained that these portions of Eighth Street and Walnut Street are unimproved right-of-ways and there are no street improvements there.  He reported that the Plan Commission recommended approval of the vacation.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by Riedel, to adopt the following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 16-04

VACATION OF PORTIONS OF EIGHTH STREET AND WALNUT STREET

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

Proposed amendments to Hudson Municipal Code, Ch. 254-12 G, revised            Impact Fee schedule, Ordinance No. 1-05:  Mayor Breault stated that the ordinance covered the annual increases to the Impact Fees.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance No. 1-05.  Ayes (3); Koch and Radermacher voted No. MOTION FAILED for lack of a majority.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell to conduct a first reading on Ordinance No. 1-05.  MOTION CARRIED.  

 

Public participation plan, City of Hudson Comprehensive Plan update – Community Development Director:  mayor Breault stated that he hoped the Council had reviewed the outline of the procedures that need to be followed.  Dennis Darnold stated that the Public Participation Plan was prepared by his office and recommended by the Plan Commission.  The document can be changed or amended, and it gives direction regarding procedures and alternatives for public participation in updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan.  He stated there would be newspaper articles, televised Plan Commission and Council meetings, and open houses for resident participation.  He explained that the proposed draft could be amended or revised as needed.  Koch praised Dennis Darnold for the good job he did on the proposal.  MOTION by Koch, second by Radermacher, to approve the Public Participation Plan for the City of Hudson Comprehensive Plan Update, as submitted.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Summary ordinance re:  revised Floodplain Zoning Code, Chapter 253 of   Municipal Code on file for public inspection – Ordinance No. 4-05:  Dennis Darnold reported that he and the City Attorney had discussions on how to save printing costs for publishing Chapter 253 adopted in Ordinance 3-05.  It was determined that a summary ordinance could be adopted and published in the newspaper at a much lower cost.  The new Chapter 253 would be on file for public inspection for two weeks.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to conduct a first reading on Ordinance No. 4-05.  MOTION CARRIED.    

 

Consider amending Municipal Code re: prohibiting use of tobacco on school property – Ordinance No. 5-05:  police Chief Dick Trende explained that this ordinance was requested by the School District and the School Liaison Officer in order to eliminate the use of tobacco products on any school property, including the parking lot, football field, etc.  O’Malley called attention to the penalties and court cost charges noted on the memo from Attorney Munkittrick.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance No. 5-05.  Ayes (4); Koch voted No – MOTION CARRIED.  Mayor Breault called for comments from the audience; none were offered.   MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to adopt the following:

 

ORDINANCE NO. 5-05

Prohibiting Use of Tobacco on School Property

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

ST. CROIX ROWING CLUB LEASE EXTENSION:  parks Superintendent Dan Roeglin explained that the Rowing Club has leased a pole shed for two years and is now requesting a three-year lease.  He noted that the Park Board toured the facility and recommended a three-year extension of the lease with review on an annual basis.  Mayor Breault stated that the Public Works Department might need to make use of the space while repairs are being completed at the West City Garage building.  He stated he would like to receive Public Works direction before extending the lease with the St. Croix Rowing Club.  He noted that if space for everyone can be accommodated, the lease could be finalized. O’Malley reported that the issue of Building Utilization would be on the next Public Works Committee agenda.  He noted that space issues should be considered before the lease was extended, and Council was in agreement.

 

2005 Grandview Park Concession Agreement with Hudson Softball                Association:  Dan Roeglin reported this annual agreement has been in effect since 1995 and they have had excellent cooperation with the Hudson Softball Association.  He noted that it has been an effective operation.  The Park Board recommended approval.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the 2005 Grandview Park Concession Agreement with the Hudson Softball Association, as submitted.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

     COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MAYOR:  Mayor Breault reported on a recent meeting with representatives from the Wisconsin DOT and Tourism Departments regarding the Tourist Information Center in Hudson.  He explained that the DOT has a lack of funds to keep the center open, while the Tourism Department wants it to remain.  Building improvements would be made by the State, but the costs were not yet known.  The property could be turned over to the City with restricted use.  He stated that the property could cost approximately $60,000 a year to maintain, and a lease to Tourism could possibly be arranged.  Mayor Breault reported that another meeting would be held in March and specific questions could be answered then.

 

     COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:  None.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to adjourn the meeting.  Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.  MOTION CARRIED. 

 

     Nancy Norvold, 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