CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2009

Meeting called to order by Mayor Dean Knudson in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:05 p.m. Mayor Knudson lead those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Clerk Korson presented Bernie Luebke with a certificate of appreciation for 20 years of service as an Election Inspector. Police Chief Marty Jensen presented lifesaving awards and pins to Patrol Officers Wildman and VanDusen for their efforts in reviving an individual involved in a motor vehicle accident.

PRESENT: Mayor Knudson and Alderpersons Randy Morrissette, Pam Brokaw, Lori Bernard, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley and Alan Burchill.

OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Cathy Munkittrick, Betty Caruso, Denny Darnold, Jim Schreiber, Tom Zeuli, Marty Jensen, Gordon Conard, Greg Luebke, Bernie Luebke, Ben Wasmund, Robert Larson, James VanDusen, James Wildman, John Worden, Glen Hartman, Jason Muenich, Michael Muenich, Alexander Muenich, Bill Friedlander, Kim Bullock, Gordy Bauers, Trudy Keating, Wheeler Morris, Jim McKee, Jon Morris, Randy Hanson, Bill Prudhomme, and others.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Mayor Knudson called for comments and suggestions from citizens present three times; none were given.

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

MINUTES: Approve the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting minutes of 2/2/09, and Closed Session minutes of 11/10/09.

CLAIMS: Approve the following claims for payment:

FUND	DESCRIPTION	PAYABLES	PAYROLL	TOTALS
100	General	246,724.26	123,291.41	370,015.67
610	Sewer	42,087.07	9,008.84	51,095.91
620	Parking	1,262.32	1,055.27	2,317.59
630	Ambulance	18,051.08	6,922.64	24,973.72
	Totals	308,124.73	140,278.16	448,402.89

Application of St. Patrick’s Home and School Association for Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer and wine at the St. Patrick’s School Gala 3/27-3/28, 2009 at 403 St. Croix Street, Hudson, WI: Approve the issuance of a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer and wine at the St. Patrick’s School Gala 3/27-3/28, 2009 at 403 St. Croix Street, Hudson, WI.

Application of Julie A. Leek, 1202 Grandview Drive, for Secondhand Jewelry Dealer’s license d/b/a J.R. Haubrich, 210 Locust Street, Hudson, WI: Approve the issuance of a Secondhand Jewelry Dealer’s License to Julie A. Leek, 1202 Grandview Drive, d/b/a J.R. Haubrich at 210 Locust Street, Hudson, WI.

Application of Brian J. Bessler for Mall/Flea Market License for Abigail Page Antique Mall at 503 Second Street, Hudson, WI: Approve the issuance of a Mall/Flea Market License to Brian J. Bessler on behalf of the Abigail Page Antique Mall at 503 Second Street, Hudson, WI.

Request to use Lakefront Park on Saturday, 5/3/09 for Monica Jensen Foundation race: Approve the use of Lakefront Park on Saturday, May 3, 2009 for the Monica Jensen Foundation race.

Request of Marine Max to use Lakefront Park Bandshell on Saturday, 7/18/09 for Aquapalooza event: Approve the request of Marine Max to use the Bandshell in Lakefront Park, in case of inclement weather, for the Aquapalooza event on Saturday, July 18, 2009.

2009 Concessions Agreement with Hudson Softball Association for concessions building in Grandview Park. Approve the 2009 Concessions Agreement with the Hudson Softball Association to use the concessions building in Grandview Park from May 1 to October 31, 2009.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the quarterly reports of the Library Director, Police Chief, Assessor/Building Inspector, and Water Department.

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

Certificate of compliance for small engine/motor repair in a B-3 Central Business District, 310 Second Street – Rivertown Motorsports & Marine: Community Development Director Denny Darnold stated that the Plan Commission recommended approval of a certificate of compliance for the business, with review in one year.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Brokaw, to approve a Certificate of Compliance to Rivertown Motorsports & Marine (Bill Prudhomme) for a small engine/motor repair business at 310 Second Street, with review in one year. Morrissette questioned parking at the location. Mr. Darnold explained that nothing would be parked outside in the evening; everything would be relocated in the building at night. He stated that occasionally it may be necessary to place a trailer in the parking lot north of the building during the day. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: morrissette recused himself. Mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee recommended approval. MOTION by Wyland, second by Bernard, to approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 2/19/09 to 6/30/10 to:

Kevin R. Olson 2481 70^th Street Eau Claire, WI

John W. Tully 796 A County Road MM River Falls, WI

And the issuance of Temporary Operator’s Licenses to be used 3/27 to 3/28/09 at the St. Patrick’s School Gala to:

Lisa A. Dornfeld 1151 Helen Street North Hudson, WI

Lyla L. Omernik 1708 gray Fox Lane Hudson, WI

Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider proposed sewer rate increase – Ordinance No. 3-09: mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee heard a presentation from Wastewater Director Jim Schreiber and Finance Officer Betty Caruso and recommended adoption of the Option 2 version of Ordinance No. 3-09. He explained that their discussion included information that there had not been a rate increase in a few years and the Department has been running with a deficit, which will continue without a rate increase. He also shared information regarding the additional number of second meters that have been installed for irrigation and lawn water, which reduces the consumption billed through the sewer charge. It was also noted that the current sewer charges are the lowest in the area and would continue to be among the lowest. It was also noted that meter costs were shared between the Water and Sewer Departments, and the Sewer share per year was approximately $160,000. Option 2 of the ordinance would allow for a quarterly meter charge to be imposed to the customers, based on the size of the meter in service.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, for a first reading of Ordinance No. 3-09 (draft Option 2). It was noted that this would be the first sewer rate increase in six years, and would amount to approximately $5.00 per quarter for a residential size meter. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Discuss potential reorganization of city utilities: mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee recommended postponing the item for further study.

Amend Police Department Policy Manual, Chapter 19 – Chain of Command: Mayor Knudson stated that due to lack of time, the Finance Committee did not make a recommendation, but he recommended approval. Chief Marty Jensen stated that currently there were no guidelines in place, and he recommended approval. MOTION by Morrissette, second by Wyland, to approve the Chain of Command amendment to the Police Department Policy Manual, as presented. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Review and consider approval of new contract and terms for the Police School Liaison Officer: mayor Knudson provided background information regarding the Police School Liaison Officer position. He stated that the School District has been paying 41% of the annual salary for the PSLO since 2001. He noted that in the spring of 2008, the School District requested a second PSLO position, and negotiations were held regarding possible funding for both positions. The City was not able to fund the second position, and it was removed from the 2009 City budget. He explained that negotiations continued, and the City asked the School District to pay 100% of the costs for nine months, or 75% on an annualized basis. Additional information was shared by the School District regarding arrangements used in comparable communities. Mayor Knudson stated that the School District is now willing to share the costs of an officer with the District paying 60% of the annualized cost, and the City paying 40%. City Attorney Catherine Munkittrick reviewed the Agreement presented by the School. Discussion was held regarding the funding.

MOTION by Morrissette, second by Wyland, to approve the agreement with the Hudson School District for a one year contract at a 60%/40% split for the Police School Liaison Officer, to be reviewed again in one year. Additional discussion was held regarding funding options. It was suggested that the School could also hire a Truancy Officer. Discussion was held regarding the possibility of increasing the School District amount to 75% in 2010. O’Malley suggested not automatically renewing the contract until the School District is paying 75%. MOTION AMENDED by Morrissette, second by Wyland, to add that the School District should pay 75% of the PSLO in 2010 and subsequent years. Attorney Munkittrick pointed out the need to amend the contract to include the correct dates and amounts. Vote taken: Ayes: (3) Morrissette, Wyland and O’Malley; No:(3) Burchill, Bernard, and Brokaw. Mayor Knudson broke the tie and voted yes. MOTION CARRIED. Attorney Munkittrick was directed to revise the contract.

Review fence design and consider request of Saint Croix Sailing School to lease a portion of Lakefront Park near Buckeye Street to conduct a sailing school: Mayor Knudson announced that the Park Board recommended approval of a one-year lease agreement with the Saint Croix Sailing School at an annual rate of $600, and contingent on determination of any floodplain issues, and use of alternative #3 as the fence design. It was noted that no floodplain issues were found. Mayor Knudson questioned whether Council believed the City should be leasing park space for this use, and also if the fee was adequate.

Jon Morris, board member for Saint Croix Sailing School Inc., noted they have filed for non-profit status in Wisconsin. He shared information about the proposed location, as well as how the school would operate. He noted they would not interfere with use of the boat ramp, and that they are beginning a capital campaign to raise funds for the boats, and would offer scholarships.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to recommend approval for Saint Croix Sailing School to lease a portion of Lakefront Park for a sailing school, for a period of three years, at $600 per year. Discussion was held regarding fence options, the amount to charge, the possibility of using Camp St. Croix or a marina, and the possible revenue to downtown businesses due to increased activity.

Gordy Bauers spoke regarding the type of area needed for the kind of boats they use. He encouraged Council to approve their request, and stated it would be beneficial to the community. Bernard requested that the motion be amended to include that it be reviewed after one year. MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to include review after one year. The need for insurance coverage was noted. Attorney Munkittrick stated that she could prepare a lease.

Burchill noted concerns for other youth clubs wanting to use the park area, and the setting of a precedent. He also noted that the Hudson Booster Club helps 1,500 children, and the proposed sailing school would have approximately 300 students. It was noted that the location has previously been used for dock storage, but the docks are currently stored in the parking lot. Roll call vote: Ayes: O’Malley and Wyland (2); No: Morrissette, Burchill, Bernard and Brokaw (4). MOTION FAILED. Mayor Knudson noted that the matter could go back to the Park Board for reconsideration.

communications and items for future agendas: Mayor Knudson shared a report regarding police activities and results for 2007 versus 2008. He congratulated Chief Jensen on his efforts, and also noted receipt of the police dog and that canine classes would begin soon.

He asked Finance Officer Betty Caruso to explain the February 17^th correspondence from auditors LarsonAllen LLP regarding the audit and closure of the City’s Tax Incremental District #4. Ms. Caruso clarified that an additional amount was recoverable from TID revenues, and since the City had already made payments to the other taxing districts, LarsonAllen recommended that they be notified and requested to make refunds to the City from their proportionate shares. The letter also stated that the City had received the refunds from St. Croix County and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, and was awaiting receipt of $28,796.00 from the School District.

Morrissette requested that Staff do a study and make recommendations for updating the Council Chambers relating to layout and technology. Brokaw requested that the City look into alternate ways to communicate with citizens, including the use of “Twitter,” which is being used in Falcon Heights.

Administrator Devin Willi reported on the Primary Election held February 17^th and that the total turnout from the City was 185 voters. He also noted that 97% of the City employees had signed up for direct deposit (of their paychecks), and that numerous applications were submitted to the DOT for possible federal funds. He also noted that much of the funding has already been designated.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to adjourn. All ayes (6). MOTION CARRIED at 8:17 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