CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 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, Roger Riedel, Paul Radermacher, and Scot O’Malley.  

 

ABSENT:   Alderpersons Dennis O’Connell and Carah Koch.

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Jim Frye, Angela Popenhagen, Jim Eulberg, Betty Caruso, Randy Hanson, Dick Trende, Lee Wyland, Kim Heinemann, Pat Shirley, Elliot Anderson, and others.

 

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT:  Fire Chief Jim Frye invited the community to attend the annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser at the Public Safety Building, 222 Walnut Street, on Sunday, April 23 from 7:30 a.m. until Noon.  He stated that in the past they have had excellent attendance.

 

Kim Heinemann, President of the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, extended an invitation for the public to attend a presentation called “Maximum Impact – 360 degrees, the Measurement of a Leader.”  She stated that presentation would be held at the Faith Community Church on Carmichael Road on May 5, 2006 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.                               and that it would be simulcast live to 80,000 locations.  She stated that for more information, or to register, call the Chamber office at 386-8411.

 

Ms. Heinemann stated that the second annual May Fair event would be held in downtown Hudson on Saturday, May 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  She explained that the urban garden festival was a fun family event with cooking demonstrations, garden tours, and in-store events.  Trolley rides would be available to take people to various locations. 

 

Ms. Heinemann also reported that Hudson was selected as the site for the National Walleye Tournament.  She stated that the fishing championship event would be held the week of May 10th.  Nineteen teams from five states, approximately 40 people, are expected to attend.  She noted that the team members would be staying in Hudson, and launching and fishing on the St. Croix River.

 

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

 

MINUTES:  Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 3/20/06.

  

     Claims:   Approve the following claims for payment:

 

Fund

Description

PAYABLES

PAYROLL

Totals

100

General

318,589.84

139,297.57

457,887.41

280

Park Donations

6,179.00

0.00

6,179.00

290

Police Donations

5.56

0.00

5.56

410

Tax Increment Financing

391.00

0.00

391.00

450

Capital Projects

57,343.87

0.00

57,343.87

610

Sewer

5,065.92

10,080.32

15,146.24

620

Parking Utility

227.68

704.11

931.79

630

Ambulance

8,792.50

19,538.78

28,331.28

880

Investment

18,108.00

0.00

18,108.00

 

                   TOTALS

$414,703.37

$169,620.78

$584,324.15

 

Applications for Operator’s Licenses:  Approve the issuance of a Temporary Operator’s License for the period June 29 to July 4, 2006  to:

 

John Martin Herink         1207 Bass Lake Road        Hudson, WI

 

and a Temporary Operator’s License for the period April 8-9, 2006 to:

 

Andrea Jane Laymen         215 Starr Wood             Hudson, WI

        

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:  Place on file the 2005 Annual Report of the Fire Department.

 

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

 

Final development plans, relocation and expansion of Hudson Community                Daycare Center from 816 4th Street to 824 4th Street – Catholic Charities              Bureau:  Architect Elliot Anderson addressed the Council concerning the final development plans for the expansion of the daycare center, as proposed by the Catholic Charities Bureau.  He stated that the residence at 824 Fourth Street would be expanded with a similar residential appearance and converted to a daycare facility with five classrooms for a total of over 5,000 square feet.  The existing facility at 816 Fourth Street would be razed and used as a fenced playground area.  Additional details included information that the primary access and child drop-off/pickup area would be east of the building on Orange Street, and the parking lot has spaces for 18 to 22 vehicles.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve the final development plans for the expansion and relocation of the Hudson Community Daycare Center from 816 Fourth Street to 824 Fourth Street, as presented.  MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to include the requirement that a Letter of Credit be provided to the City in the amount of $3,650 to assure the removal of specified driveway and sidewalks within the City right-of-way and restoration of the street, curb and gutter and boulevard areas, plus associated inspections.  Discussion included the playground area and the improved safety of the parking lot.  All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review bids and consider awarding contract for Furnaces and Air Conditioners for the Public Safety Building:  fire Chief Jim Frye presented information on the bids received for the HVAC Project at the Public Safety Building.  He recommended accepting the bid from Freier Electric and Heating, Ellsworth, WI in the amount of $9,250, plus the option for a variable speed fan at $1,525.00.  Mr. Frye stated that the bid from Freier’s has met all the required specifications, and that the energy efficient equipment would save on utility bills.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Riedel, to approve the bid of Freier Electric and Heating, Ellsworth, WI in the total amount of $10,775 for the HVAC Project in the Public Safety Building.  In discussion, it was noted that the other bids were reviewed and funding was included in the budget.  All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider establishing procedures and service fees for conducting Special Assessment searches:  finance Officer Betty Caruso explained the need to establish procedures and service fees for conducting Special Assessment searches.  She complimented employee Krissy Shilts for recommending and researching the concept, and noted that this was standard procedure for most municipalities.  Ms. Caruso recommended accepting written requests and charging $25.00 per parcel for Special Assessment searches.  MOTION by Riedel, second by O’Malley, to approve the use of written requests and a $25.00 fee for conducting Special Assessment searches, as recommended by the Finance Officer.  All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Request of St. Patrick’s School for June 2nd Block Party:  radermacher explained the request of St. Patrick’s School to block a City street for a family/school block party in June.  MOTION by Riedel, second by Radermacher, to approve the request of St. Patrick’s School to barricade Fourth Street between St. Croix Street and River Street for a block party on Saturday, May 13, 2006 from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m.   In discussion, it was noted that this was similar to events held in the past.  All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

 

     2006 St. Croix Music and Art Festival event:  mayor Breault noted that the sponsors had submitted the Special Event Permit application form; he recommended approval contingent on payment of the $100 fee and proper completion of the form.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to conditionally approve the St. Croix Music and Art Festival event in Lakefront Park on July 14-16, 2006, contingent on receipt of the $100 application fee, and completion of the Special Event Permit form.  It was noted that the Public Safety Committee recommended that two Casual Call patrol officers should be on duty.  All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.  

 

     Request for pedestrian crossing signs on Bittersweet Drive at Stageline  Road:  radermacher reported that the Public Safety Committee reviewed the request for pedestrian crossing signs, noting increased traffic in the area.  He stated that the Committee recommended approval.   MOTION by Radermacher, second by Riedel, to approve pedestrian crossing signs at Bittersweet Drive and Stageline Road.  All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Permit parking proposal, costs and funding sources: radermacher reviewed the proposed changes to the Municipal Parking System ordinance.  He called attention to the projected revenue that it could create and the cost of the project.  It was noted that it would cost between $30,000 and $40,000 to replace all the meters, and approximately $50,000 for the hand-held devices to be used by the Meter Monitors and Police Officers.  Finance Officer Betty Caruso explained that $215,000 in excess bond proceeds could be used to cover the costs of the project.  She stated that the Parking Utility could repay the amount over a seven-year period.  In discussion, Council reviewed the areas where Permit Parking would be allowed and which areas would be metered.

 

MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to proceed with the advertisement for bids for parking meters and five hand-held meter-reading devices.  Discussion included whether hardware was in place to work with the software product.  It was noted that a server would be needed for the system.   O’Malley recommended waiting to proceed until the part-time IT person was hired.  Discussion also included that the Parking Permit fee would be $100 a year or $10 a month, whichever was less.  The permit year would run from June 1st to May 31st.  The change would not be effective until June 1, 2006.   Vote taken:  All ayes (4) – 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:  Attorney Munkittrick recommended a first reading on Ordinances 5-06 and 6-06 in order to save on publication costs.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve a first reading on Summary Ordinance No. 5-06 and Ordinance 6-06.  Discussion included information that if a meter was not in place, then a Parking Permit would be necessary for that parking space.  The permit period would be from June 1st through May 31st.  The complete ordinances are on file in the Clerk’s office.  All ayes, (4) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Bids for new boiler for Municipal BuildinG:   jim Eulberg presented the two bids submitted for the boiler replacement project at the Municipal Building.  He stated that after further review, he was recommending the bid from Johnson Controls in the amount of $45,155, plus $15,930 for high-efficiency boilers.  He called attention to the utility savings, lower operating costs, less maintenance, better warranty, and longer life expectancy.  Mr. Eulberg noted that the total of $61,085 was still below the budgeted project estimate of $85,000.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by Riedel, to accept the bid from Johnson Controls in the amount of $61,085.00 for the Municipal Building Boiler Replacement Project.  All ayes, (4), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Disallowance of claim of Mary Frazier – Resolution No. 3-06:  attorney Munkittrick recommended adoption of the resolution.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Riedel, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 3-06.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to adopt the following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 3-06

DISALLOWANCE OF CLAIM OF MARY FRAZIER

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office and attached)

 

All ayes, (4) MOTION CARRIED.

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:  Mayor Breault stated that the annual Organizational Meeting to announce committee assignments would be held on April 18th at 7:00 p.m.  He also suggested that staff and Finance Committee members begin looking at the revenues and expenditures for the Municipal Building.

 

     Radermacher inquired about the status of the hiring of the IT person.  Devin Willi stated that the Finance Committee would be meeting soon to review the applications received, and to schedule interviews, which should be completed by early May.

 

     Mr. Willi shared a spreadsheet with results of the April 4th Spring Election.  He praised the Election Inspectors for a job well done.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Riedel, to adjourn the meeting.  All ayes (4).  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

 

                                     Date approved

by Council: