CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009

Meeting called to order by Mayor Dean Knudson in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:03 p.m. Mayor Knudson lead those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Knudson presented an appreciation award plaque to Tim Caruso for more than 19 years of service on the Public Utility Commission. He noted that Mr. Caruso also served as President during that time.

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

ABSENT: Alderperson Pam Brokaw was excused.

OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Cathy Munkittrick, Betty Caruso, Eric Christensen, Jim Frye, Troy Timm, Tom Zeuli, Jim Schreiber, Randy Hanson, Chuck Schwartz, Thomas Gichondo, Tim Caruso, C.R. Hackworthy, Nick Hackworthy, 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 Bernard to approve the following Consent Agenda items: - Burchill recused himself.

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 3/2/09.

Conditional Use Permit review, fuel station at 1611 Maxwell Drive – Caribbean Car Wash and Fuel Station: Approve the continuance of the Conditional Use Permit for the fuel station at 1611 Maxwell Drive (Caribbean Car Wash), with the following conditions:

a. The fuel station to remain in compliance with state and

federal requirements.

b. The permit will be reviewed for continuance in March 2014.

CLAIMS: Approve the following claims for payment:

FUND	DESCRIPTION	PAYABLES	PAYROLL	TOTALS
100	General	196,099.50	125,534.54	321,634.04
290	Police Donations	4,014.78	0.00	4,014.78
450	Capital Projects	31,523.20	0.00	31,523.20
610	Sewer	31,254.49	9,295.21	40,549.70
620	Parking	1,687.07	951.14	2,638.21
630	Ambulance	11,466.13	9,883.45	21,349.58
880	Investment	500.00	0.00	500.00
	Totals	276,545.17	145,664.34	422,209.51

Application of Hudson Boosters Inc. for Special Event Permit for Booster Days in Lakefront Park, June 27 to July 8, 2009, including setup and takedown dates, and request for reduced liability insurance: Approve issuance of a Special Event Permit for the Hudson Boosters Inc. to hold Booster Days in Lakefront Park June 27 to July 8, 2009, including setup and takedown dates, and contingent on receipt of the required certificates of insurance from the Boosters and the carnival, the addition of six off-street disability parking spaces immediately east of the bathhouse, that Digger’s Hotline be contacted for markings placed prior to setup, and that Council approve the level of liability insurance coverage required to $1 million.

Application of Hudson Boosters Inc. for a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer and wine in Lakefront Park on May 12, 2009 for a Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour Event, and request approval as a Community Event. Approve the issuance of a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to the Hudson Boosters Inc. to sell beer and wine in Lakefront Park on May 12, 2009 for a Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour Event, with designation as a Community Event.

Application of Hudson Boosters Inc. for a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer and wine in Lakefront Park during Hudson Booster Days, July 2 to July 5, 2009: Approve the issuance of a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to the Hudson Boosters Inc. to sell beer and wine in Lakefront Park during Hudson Booster Days, July 2 to July 5, 2009.

Application of Johanna L. Schaitel, 1960 Wooden Shoe Lane, Baldwin, WI, for Secondhand Article Dealer’s License d/b/a Restore & Restyle, 404 Second Street, Hudson, WI: Approve the issuance of a Secondhand Article Dealer’s License to Johanna L. Schaitel, 1960 Wooden Shoe Lane, Baldwin, WI, d/b/a Restore & Restyle, 404 Second Street, Hudson, WI.

Request of Final Stretch, Inc. to use Lakefront Park Bandshell for Gopher to Badger Race on Saturday, August 8, 2009, and to use Lakefront Park Bandshell and Bathhouse for Triathlon Race on September 5-6, 2009: Approve the request of Final Stretch, Inc. to use the Lakefront Park Bandshell for the Gopher to Badger Race on Saturday, August 8, 2009, and to use the Lakefront Park Bandshell and Bathhouse for a Triathlon Race on September 5-6, 2009.

Request to barricade Locust Street for Classic Car Shows, second Friday of each month from May to September: Approve the barricading of Locust Street (between Second and Third Streets) for the 2009 Classic Car Shows to be held the second Friday of each month from May to September.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the Public Utility Commission minutes of 3/10/09.

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

Appointment to Park Board: Mayor Knudson requested approval for his appointment to the Park Board, noting that Tammy Erskine had resigned. MOTION by Morrissette, second by Burchill, to approve the appointment of Suzy Fallon, 706 Orange Street, to fill the remainder of Tammy Erskine’s term through April of 2012. All ayes, (5) MOTION CARRIED.

Signage plan for Heritage Market/Heritage Greens planned residential development, west of STH 35 and north of Hanley Road – T V & H Properties: Mayor Knudson stated that he had a request from Alderperson Brokaw to postpone action on this item, if it was not an urgent matter. Denny Darnold reported that he and Nick Hackworthy spoke about keeping the signage plan on schedule, including the non-controversial items of interior signage that had been agreed upon during earlier discussions of the development plan. He stated that the wall and building signs comply with the current sign ordinance, as well as the neighborhood signs, except the highway sign located at the Hanley Road entrance on the south side of the development, and two directional signs in Harmony Greens and Market Greens.

Mr. Darnold explained that Ms. Brokaw’s concerns were in regard to the orientation of the reader board on Lot 1 or P12. Additional information was shared on the Plan Commission’s reservations concerning the reader boards; the issues were the potential visibility of the signs due to the proximity of the residential neighborhood, and the overall number of signs permitted. Mayor Knudson stated that the Plan Commission recommended that all signage plans be considered as part of the development plan review process. It was noted that only one sign was preapproved for Lot 1 with the master sign plan.

Additional discussion was held regarding the placement of the signs and shielding. Mr. Darnold noted that when the Royal Credit Union development plans are submitted, the City has the discretion to review the location of the sign, stating that he anticipated it would be oriented to be seen from the east and west. He read the recommendation from the Plan Commission listed on the issue sheet, and noted that in the fourth line of the second bullet paragraph, lot 2 (parcel P12) should be changed to “lot 2 (parcel P11). He explained that by proceeding, Council would be agreeing to the general criteria and the requirement that when the site plan and building plans are submitted, the sign plan is incorporated as well, and is reviewed for compliance.

MOTION by Burchill, second by Bernard, to approve the proposed signage plan for Heritage Greens Market Signage Plan, as recommended by the Plan Commission, as follows:

· Approval of the Neighborhood, Interior and Wall and Building signs,

as proposed.

· Revise the Perimeter signs to be one sign per lot, with a maximum of 80 sq. ft. in area and maximum of 15 feet in height. A digital reader board will be allowed for lot 1 (parcel P12) with a maximum area of 30 sq. ft. which is included as part of the overall allowance of 80 sq. ft. maximum. Consideration of digital reader boards will be reserved for consideration for lot 2 (parcel P11), and lot 3 (parcel P10, or additional lots if further subdivided) abutting STH 35 or Hanley Road at the time development plans are submitted for review/consideration by the Plan Commission and Common Council.

· All plans for signage in the development of lots in the Heritage Market commercial neighborhood shall be submitted for review and consideration by the Plan Commission and Common Council as part of the development plan review process.

Additional discussion was held, including comments that the Plan Commission has looked at the plan a number of times and believes they have reached a good compromise. O’Malley recused himself. It was questioned whether Alderperson Brokaw’s concerns had been addressed. It was noted that the sign for the Royal Credit Union would be addressed again as part of the development plan approval. Ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Morrissette recused himself. Mayor Knudson stated the Finance Committee recommended approval; Police Chief Jensen also noted his approval. MOTION by Wyland, second by Bernard to approve issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 3/17/09 to 6/30/10 to:

John M. Herink 1207 Bass Lake Road Hudson, WI

Toni R. Qualantone 337 County Road E Houlton, WI

Erin N. Johnson 7935 Cooper Ave. E. Inver Grove Heights, MN

And issuance of a Temporary Operator’s License to be used May 12, 2009 at the Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour event in Lakefront Park to:

James A. Londo 565 County Road UU Hudson, WI

Ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Discuss potential reorganization of City utilities: city Administrator Devin Willi presented a report of information he compiled from similar sized municipalities regarding the structure for their utilities. He noted that 25 communities with populations between 10,000 and 25,000, plus New Richmond, WI were contacted, but there was no clear preference of method being used by most communities either in their leadership structure or method of governing. Mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee recommended leaving the utility structure as is, but a minority opinion wanted to look at the statutory requirements, abolish the Public Utility Commission, and have financial and employee-related decisions be reviewed by the Council.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to approve the Finance Committee recommendation to leave the current water utility structure as it is. Additional discussion was held regarding elected officials having input on spending and hiring. Bernard noted that the Commission does a good job, but she believed that elected officials should have input on spending and hiring. Vote taken: Ayes: (4); Bernard voted no. MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids submitted for 2009 lawn mowing services: Mayor Knudson explained the procedures followed for obtaining the lawn mowing services quotes; he noted that 23 bids were submitted. The bid results were reviewed. It was noted that City staff, the Public Works Committee, and the Finance Committee recommended accepting the vendors in Option 2 for a total cost of $28,340. Information was shared regarding the summary of estimated City costs for mowing operations. It was noted that the best estimate came to $61,265, which could mean an approximate savings of $30,000 to $35,000.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to accept the vendors in Option 2 for 2009 Lawn Mowing Services: Gruber Lawn Care for work in City Parks at a cost of $18,600, and Comstock & Sons to perform the work in the City right-of-way areas, trails and buildings at a cost of $9,740 contingent upon execution of the appropriate contracts. Ayes (4); Morrissette voted No. MOTION CARRIED.

2009 Urban Forestry Startup Grant: it was reported that the Public Works Department had received notice of approval of an Urban Forestry Startup Grant, which was a matching grant program requiring the City to match the $4,000 grant amount. Grant funds would be used for tree planting, pruning, and tree inventory and management plans. It was also noted that Public Works Director Tom Zeuli would like to have involvement from volunteers. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard, to accept the $4,000 Urban Forestry Grant and to allocate a matching amount from the Shade Tree operating budget. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider State Road Salt bid for 2010: O’Malley explained that the Public Works Committee recommended participating in the State Road Salt bid process for 2010. He reviewed the costs per ton for the past few years, noting that for 2008-09 the City paid much more than the State price. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve participating in the State contract for road salt for 2010. Discussion was held regarding the amount of salt purchased in the past, and possible reduction and savings through use of the pre-wetting equipment recently purchased. Information was shared on the possibility of using products that are more environmentally friendly. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Treasurer’s report: mayor Knudson stated that the Treasurer’s Report was provided; he recommended it be added to the next agenda for further discussion and consideration.

Review current Refuse Collection Service Contract and consider advertising for bids: O’Malley stated the Public Works Committee considered various options for a new refuse and recycling contract. It was noted that the current contract with Veolia expires on December 31, 2009. Various options were presented, including the possibility of a joint contract with the Town of Hudson and Village of North Hudson. It was noted that the city has always received better rates than the Town and the Village because the routes and pickups are easier. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to advertise for bids for a multi-year refuse and recycling contract (for the City). Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider amendment to Municipal Code, Chapter 212-9 re: Snow and IcE REMOVAL – ORDINANCE NO. 4-09: motion by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance No. 4-09. Roll call vote taken, all ayes, (5), MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by O’Mallley, second by Burchill to adopt the following:

ORDINANCE NO. 4-09

AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE CH. 212-9 A. Snow and Ice Removal

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Request for two 5-minute parking spaces at 431 Second Street: MOTION by Bernard, second by Wyland to approve the recommendation of the Public Safety Committee to designate two parking spaces on the west side of Second Street at Walnut Street as 10-minute parking spaces, (near 431 Second Street) and to restore the 10-minute parking space on Walnut Street at Second Street to a regular metered parking space. Information was shared that the two new spaces on Second Street would provide pick-up and drop-off spaces for both the coffee shop and the Chinese restaurant. O’Malley requested the Police Department to monitor the spaces. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider request for crosswalks and stop signs in Red Cedar Canyon: mayor Knudson reviewed the Public Safety Committee’s recommendation. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard, to approve the installation of a stop sign on Canyon Boulevard at West Canyon Drive, pedestrian crossing markings and signage at Dunberry Pass and East Canyon Drive, Springhill Bay and East Canyon Drive, and Springbrook Bay and East Canyon Drive, and installation of a yield sign on Prosperity Way (Ashbury Court) at Tribute Avenue.

MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, to include that the sign costs be paid by the homeowner’s association, if the signs were not part of the development plan. Denny Darnold clarified that the City normally pays for the cost of signage if there is a change after the initial development plans. AMENDED MOTION was RESCINDED by O’Malley. Burchill inquired whether a traffic study had been done; Police Jensen stated probably not. Bernard noted that traffic was not the main issue; it was a blind intersection. Discussion was held regarding the removal of shrubs and growth and following past procedures. Ayes (4); Burchill voted no. MOTION CARRIED.

Application of Thomas M. Gichondo for Taxicab Service License and Taxicab Driver’s License d/b/a Gold Cab, 344 Southern Pacific Road, Hudson, WI: Mayor Knudson reported that the Public Hearing was held and no comments were given. MOTION by Burchill, second by O’Malley, to approve the issuance of a Taxicab Service License and Taxicab Driver’s License to Thomas M. Gichondo, 344 Southern Pacific Road, Hudson, WI, d/b/a Gold Cab. It was noted that the license would be issued upon receipt of the certificate of liability insurance and successful completion of the taxicab vehicle inspection. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

communications and recommendations of the mayor: Mayor Knudson expressed his desire to appoint Steve Wilcox to the economic development corporation’s revolving loan fund to replace Mike Laatsch. It was noted that the topic should be a future agenda item.

communications and items for future agendas: Mayor Knudson called attention to a recent article from the March issue of The Municipality magazine regarding conservation water rates, and noted his desire to implement conservation methods.

Administrator Willi provided an update report that included information on April meeting dates, the April 7^th Election, the deadline for applying for federal stimulus funds, and the status of staff recruitment. Mayor Knudson noted that the Carmichael Road Project was “shovel ready” and seemed to meet the State’s criteria for funding.

Consider convening into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(g), Wis. Stats. to confer with legal counsel regarding possible litigation concerning ambulance billing services contract: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(g), Wis. Stats. to confer with legal counsel regarding possible litigation concerning ambulance billing services contract. Roll call vote: Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED at 8:12 p.m.

Meeting adjourned in Closed Session with no report at 9:04 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 R. Knudson, Mayor