CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2006

 

 

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

 

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

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Denny Darnold, Dick Trende, Marty Jensen, Kim Heinemann, Randy Hanson, Mark Kinders, Bill Newman, Lee Wyland, and others.

 

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT:  Kim Heinemann, President of the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, called attention to two events hosted by the Chamber.  She stated that a candidate’s forum featuring candidates for Mayor and the City Council would be held at the Hudson Golf Club on Friday, March 23 from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m.  She noted that the forum was open to the public, and the fee would only be charged to those participating in the lunch. It was noted that reservations in advance were preferred from everyone, including those not having lunch, in order for the Golf Club to set up the room accordingly.  Ms. Heinemann encouraged people to attend, as well as to remember to vote.

 

Ms. Heinemann reported that the fourth annual Spring Showcase would be held on Sunday, March 26 at the Hudson Sports and Civic Center on Hanley Road, with 82 booths featuring the best of what Hudson has to offer.  She noted that this family event was open to the public, and included activities for the children, food and fun.

 

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

 

MINUTES:  Approve the Regular Meeting minutes and Closed Session minutes of 3/6/06.

  

     Claims:   Approve the following claims for payment:

 

Fund

Description

PAYABLES

PAYROLL

Totals

100

General

141,082.39

111,152.60

252,234.99

610

Sewer

22,221.37

9,736.29

31,957.66

620

Parking Utility

492.36

726.83

1,219.19

630

Ambulance

6,815.32

6,780.21

13,595.53

 

             TOTALS

$170,611.44

$128,395.93

$299,007.37

 

 

Applications for Operator’s Licenses:  Approve the issuance of a Temporary Operator’s License for the period April 27-30, 2006  to:

 

Steven Eric Hanson   1400 Namekagon Street, #213      Hudson, WI

 

and issuance of  Temporary Operator’s Licenses for the period April 8-9, 2006  to:

 

Edward Francis Hanson       374 Tower Road          Hudson, WI

 

Mary Patricia Finnegan   1025 6th Street       Hudson, WI

 

        

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:  Place on file the quarterly report of the St. Croix E.M.S. Chief, and the Public Utility Commission minutes of 3/14/06.

 

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

 

Proposal regarding Scenic Byways – Mark Kinders:  Mark Kinders stated he was representing the St. Croix Valley Regional Tourism Alliance and the St. Croix Scenic Coalition seeking support as a governmental sponsor for a scenic byway designation in the State of Wisconsin.  He introduced Mr. Bill Newman, President of the St. Croix Scenic Coalition, and noted that Kim Heinemann was also a member of the steering committee working on the project. 

 

Mr. Kinders summarized that the State of Wisconsin recently created the opportunity for scenic byways to exist in the State.  He noted that Minnesota has six scenic byways with state and federal designation, but Wisconsin only had one, the Great River Road.  He noted that from an economic standpoint, the federal Department of Transportation had awarded $8 million to Minnesota, and only $3 million to Wisconsin.   He further explained the process involved with creating a mile-by-mile inventory of all the attractions, view sites, obstructions, and assets in the 150 miles between Prescott and Danbury, Wisconsin.  After corridor approval by the Wisconsin DOT, the Corridor Management Plan would establish the vision for the byways over the next 10 to 15 years.

 

Mr. Kinders stated they were requesting the City of Hudson to serve as the official government sponsor for the submission to the State.  He called attention to the numerous partners and strong coalition, and the need for a government organization to become the sponsor.  Mr. Kinders explained that the City could provide in-kind assistance and staff help on preparation of materials and information on development in the St. Croix Valley.  He noted that there would be no fiscal impact to the City, and the organization could become eligible for future grants of 80% from the federal government, and 20% to be paid by the local group. 

 

Mr. Kinders reported that the Scenic Coalition was finalizing the process to become a 501(c)3 non-profit that would manage the byway on both sides of the river.  Mr. Kinders stated that the two organizations would be partners providing the 20% of funding for project.  He noted that the City of Hudson, as a sponsor, would not be responsible for the 20%.  He further explained that the funds would be used to market the riverway as a destination, install scenic overviews, bicycle trails, etc.  Economic development in downtown areas would also be included in the byways.

 

The only federal restriction would be that all existing billboards would remain, but no additional billboards could be installed.  In Phase II, 75% of all the jurisdictions within the 150-mile corridor would need to support the project in order to receive approval from the State of Wisconsin.

 

Discussion was held regarding the ban on future billboards; it was noted that the billboard distance was dictated by the view from the byway, not from the riverway.  It was questioned whether the scenic byways presented any obstacles to NR118 and its adoption and how they interacted.  Mr. Bill Newman stated that the Minnesota side had the same requirements and received 100% support from all the communities.  He said their fiscal agent was Chisago County, and all federal money was administered through their auditor’s office.  Mr. Newman stated that their federal money is expected soon, and they had experienced no obstacles, noting that they met with elected officials and highway engineers in each county when planning routes.

 

Mayor Breault stated this program could enhance the entire riverway area.  He noted that Council would make the decision, with final review of the paperwork by our City Attorney.  Mr. Kinders stated that part of the application included a formal resolution to be adopted by the City.  It was explained that the federal grant money could be used under eight different categories such as marketing, scenic overlooks, downtown improvements, removal of site obstacles, installing recreational trails, etc.  Mr. Kinders stated that the intent of the program was for economic development and improving the experience for visitors to the scenic byway and the St. Croix River.

 

Further discussion was held regarding the entire byway process and the assistance needed from the State Highway Department and West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.  Questions were posed regarding staff time, opposition to development along the river, possible environmental impact, and possible impact for development on First Street.  Mr. Kinders added that their group was very sensitive to the river and ensuring the future of its resources.   The restriction on billboards was again emphasized.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to give encouragement and concept approval of the scenic byway proposal, as presented.  Mayor Breault agreed to provide copies of the information to Community Development Director Dennis Darnold.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Application of St. Patrick’s Home & School Association for         Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer and wine at St. Patrick’s Gala, 403 St. Croix Street, April 8/9, 2006:  mayor Breault noted that the Finance Committee recommended approval.  MOTION by Koch, second by O’Connell to approve the issuance of a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to St. Patrick’s Home & School Association to sell beer and wine at St. Patrick’s Gala, 403 St. Croix Street, April 8/9, 2006.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Opposition to proposed Wisconsin legislation: Taxpayer Protection Amendment – Resolution No. 2-06.   MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 2-06.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.   MOTION by O’Malley, second by Riedel, to adopt the following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 2-06

Urging the State Legislature to reject the

Taxpayer Protection Amendment: SJR 63/AJR77

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

Brief discussion was held regarding the possible impact on revenues and even more budget restrictions that would be hard to meet.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED. 

 

Application of Hudson Hockey Association for Temporary Class ”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer April 27-30, 2006 at    their annual Pool Tournament in the Hudson Sports & Civic Center,    1820 Hanley Road, Hudson, WI:  mayor Breault stated that the Finance Committee recommended approval.  MOTION by Riedel, second by O’Malley to approve the issuance of a Temporary Class B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to the Hudson Hockey Association to sell beer April 27-30, 2006 at their annual Pool Tournament in the Hudson Sports & Civic Center, 1820 Hanley Road, Hudson, WI.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review bids for new Boiler in Municipal Building:  mayor Breault suggested that this matter be held over due to the large difference in the bids submitted, and that more review was needed to assure that the lowest bidder meets all the specifications.

 

 Additional Drainage Study Report for Nye Street and Aldrich Avenue Stormwater Improvement Project:  mayor Breault noted that more study of this project was needed and the Finance Committee recommended the additional engineering study, with funds from the Contingency Fund.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by Morrissette, to authorize Bonestroo & Associates to complete the Feasibility Study as presented for the Nye Street and Aldrich Avenue Stormwater Improvement Project at a cost of $5,246, with funds taken from the Contingency Fund.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider funding sources for 4th Street/5th Street, Vine Street/Elm Street Stormwater Improvement Project:  mayor Breault reported that the Council had agreed that the option of using a Flap Gate at a cost of $10,000 would be used to see whether the stormwater problem would be minimized.  He stated that if the Flap Gate was not successful, the City would have to appropriate approximately $140,000 in 2007 as a Capital Project.  Discussion was held regarding the limited protection from the flap gate during extremely heavy storms.  It was noted that the Flap Gate would only be a temporary approach, but a more permanent approach could be completed in 2007 as a Capital Project.  Mayor Breault noted that at this time the $10,000 would have to be funded by the Contingency Fund, as recommended by the Finance Committee. Brief discussion was held regarding the Contingency Fund and funds set-aside for the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to approve the use of Option 1, using a flap gate for the 4th Street/5th Street, Vine Street/Elm Street Stormwater Improvement Project, at an estimated cost of $10,000 to be funded from the Contingency Fund.  All ayes, (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Request of Bahr Development to rezone former hospital property on            Wisconsin Street from R-1, One-family Residential to RM-1, Multiple         Family:  Mayor Breault explained that this request should be referred to the Plan Commission and a Public Hearing should be scheduled.  He noted that the neighbors in the area had received a copy of this proposal and he had invited them to attend the Plan Commission meeting.   Dennis Darnold noted that the applicant was actually Comforts of Home, but Bahr Development signed the application.  He called attention to the issue sheet with possible dates for scheduling a Public Hearing, noting that a new Council would be in place after April 17th.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to refer to the Plan Commission the application of Comforts of Home to rezone the former hospital property on Wisconsin Street from R-1, One-family residential to RM-1, Multiple Family, and to schedule a Public Hearing for 6:50 p.m. on Monday, May 1, 2006.  All ayes, (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Ordinances re: recreated Article II of Chapter 235 of Hudson Municipal         Code, Municipal Parking System – summary Ordinance No. 5-06 and               Ordinance 6-06:  Mayor Breault explained that additional work was needed on this ordinance in order to implement the proposed changes, costs, etc.  In discussions with the Public Safety Committee, he has requested them to return with more details on the actual costs and funding sources.  MOTION by O’Malley, to conduct a first reading on Ordinance 5-06 and Ordinance 6-06.  MOTION DIED for lack of a second.  In discussion, it was noted that postponement would allow more time for the Committee to deal with the budget issues.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by Riedel, to postpone action on Ordinances 5-06 and 6-06 until the next Council meeting.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

DRAFT OF PROPOSED REVISIONS TO EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK:   Administrator Willi requested the Council to review the document and submit to him any questions or corrections.  He stated that his suggested changes were from a personnel standpoint, and Attorney Munkittrick was reviewing it from a legal aspect to make sure everything was up to date.  Mr. Willi noted that some sections were more than 20 years old.  No action at this time.

 

appointment to park board:  Mayor Breault announced his appointment of Ron Weiler as a member of the Park Board.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to confirm Mayor Breault’s appointment of Ron Weiler, 1319 Woodland Court, to the Park Board for the remainder of the term through April of 2009.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:  Administrator Willi noted that this was the last Council meeting before the Spring Election.  Clerk Nancy Norvold explained that in order to register, new voters would need to provide their Driver’s License number, and some type of proof of address, such as a Driver’s License, utility bill, federal, state or employer document, etc.  She noted that in order to have their names included in the poll lists, voters would have to register by March 29th.  Registration can also take place on the day of the election.  Ms. Norvold stated the ballots arrived and that absentee ballots must be requested in writing and can be mailed until Friday, March 31st .  She explained that citizens could also vote in person at the Clerk’s office until 5:00 p.m. on April 3, 2006.   Mr. Willi noted that persons in Aldermanic Districts 2, 3 and 6 vote in the Community Room at the Government Center on Carmichael Road, and those in Districts 1, 4 and 5 vote in the Council Chambers of City Hall.  He offered to check whether the banner about voting would be in place across Second Street.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher to adjourn the meeting.  All ayes (6).  MOTION CARRIED.  Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.   

 

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