CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF MONDAY, MAY 2, 2005

 

 

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 Mike Laatsch, Dennis O’Connell, Paul Radermacher, Roger Riedel, and Scot O’Malley.

 

ABSENT:  Alderperson Carah Koch was excused.

 

OTHERS PRESENT: Catherine Munkittrick, Brian Zeller, Dick Trende, Denny Darnold, Megan Ruppert, Paul Boldischar, Gordon Conard, David Robson, Angela Popenhagen, Randy Hanson, Bill Wanner, Tom Redner, Jim Eulberg, Tom Smith, Todd Stevens, and others.  Devin Willi became present at approximately 7:30 p.m. (following the presentation by Strategy1 Solutions).

 

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT:Gordon Conard, 36 Eagle’s Nest Circle, stated that since he moved to the City of Hudson last year, he has been tracking the annexation and development plans.  He commented that the City’s Comprehensive Plan was vintage and needed to be revised.  Mr. Conard acknowledged that there is a timetable in place for revisions of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.  He suggested that the Common Council and Plan Commission agendas should contain the Comprehensive Plan as an item on a regular basis.  He also strongly urged the City of Hudson residents to actively participate in the revision process by providing input of their vision for the City.

 

Mayor Breault thanked Mr. Conard for his comments.  He reported that an outline of Comprehensive Plan procedures is being established for inclusion at Plan Commission and Common Council meetings.  He noted that Mr. Darnold would be chairperson of a committee that will include professionals who would survey citizens and Council members about their desires and needs for the City.  Mr. Conard requested that updates be announced on a regular basis at the Council meetings.

 

Tom Redner, 714 Wisconsin Street, noted his concerns for the wildlife in his neighborhood.  He stated that the deer are becoming a large problem, are a nuisance, and something should be done.  Mayor Breault thanked Mr. Redner and explained that the City, the Village of North Hudson, and St. Croix County are looking into the deer problem.  He noted that the DNR would be consulted to assure that the possible solution is done in a legal fashion.  He stated that with joint cooperation, the expenses should be more economical.  Mr. Redner suggested that the City consider a ban on feeding the deer.

 

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

 

MINUTES: Approve the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting minutes of 4/18/05 and the Organizational Meeting minutes of 4/19/05.

 

Claims:   Approve the following claims for payment:

 

Fund

Description

PAYABLES

PAYROLL

Totals

100

General

175,802.14

108,115.31

283,917.45

230

Wisc DVL/RVL

0.20

0.00

0.20

270

Police Drug Forfeiture

812.93

0.00

812.93

410

Tax Increment Financing

424.07

0.00

424.07

450

Capital Projects

7,552.66

0.00

7,552.66

610

Sewer

18,354.77

9,563.40

27,918.17

620

Parking Utility

505.49

848.51

1,354.00

630

Ambulance

21,487.12

6,298.50

27,785.62

860

Tax Agency

118,999.25

0.00

118,999.25

 

                   TOTALS

$343,938.63

$124,825.72

$468,764.35

 

Application for Operator’s License:  Approve the issuance of a Regular Operator’s License for the period 5/3/05 to 6/30/06 to Mary Colleen Winchester, 1202 River Ridge Road, Hudson WI.

 

Application for Amusement Device Operator’s License:  Approve an Amusement Device Operator’s License to Namco Cybertainment, Inc., 877 Supreme Drive, Bensenville, IL for the nine amusement/musical machines located at Hudson Cinema 9.

 

Revisions to Parks Maintenance Worker position description:  Approve the addition of the words “turf management and horticulture” as other qualifications desired in the Parks Maintenance Worker job description, as submitted.

 

     REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:  To place on file the quarterly reports of the Building Inspector, City Clerk, and Library Director, and the Community Access Board minutes of 4/26/05.

 

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

 

Appointments to Zoning Board of Appeals, Park Board:Mayor Breault announced the appointment of Tom Smith, 927 Third Street, to a five-year term on the Park Board.  Mr. Smith expressed thanks to Mayor Breault for the appointment and stated that he welcomed the opportunity to serve the community.

 

Mayor Breault also announced his appointments to the Board of Zoning Appeals.  He reappointed Stephen O’Connell, 101 Eleventh Street, to another three-year term through 2008.  He also appointed Jeff Tersteeg, 2323 White Oak Court, to the two years remaining of Jane Schuler’s term, through 2007, and reappointed Bob Bieraugel as 1st Alternate, three years, through 2008.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell to confirm the Mayor’s appointments to the Park Board and Board of Zoning Appeals.  The appointments to the Board of Review were carried over to the May 16th Council meeting.

 

Presentation by Strategy 1 Solutions on Management Study for the City; discussion and possible action on the proposal:  Mayor Breault introduced Paul Boldischar and Megan Ruppert.  Mr. Boldischar said they were pleased to present their proposal for assisting the City of Hudson in evaluating and assessing the City’s usage of staff and technology to meet the City’s needs.  He explained that he and Brent Willi, brother of City Administrator Devin Willi, were the principals of the company.  He said their firm was 2½ years old but they have strength and experience that far exceeds that.  Mr. Boldischar emphasized the value their firm represents; he stated they believe they can offer their expertise at a much more reasonable rate than a lot of other firms.  Ms. Ruppert presented their proposal for a five-step approach.  She noted that the project should be completed in approximately 13 weeks.  Mr. Boldischar reported that some members would not be on site during the entire time.  Updates to the Mayor and Council would be provided.  Ultimately the Common Council would receive the final interpretation. 

 

O’Malley requested clarification regarding the reports to Council during the process.  Mr. Boldischar stated that after each of the five steps they would return to Council with the information they gathered.  He noted there would likely be two-week reporting periods throughout the process and verified that the Council would be updated on a regular basis.  Radermacher inquired whether they had submitted a bid.  Mr. Boldischar stated he would prepare a letter of understanding proposed on a time and materials basis, and not to exceed $24,000. 

 

Discussion continued regarding the work that Strategy 1 Solutions is performing for Dakota County.  Mayor Breault asked how the Council wished to proceed.  O’Malley stated he would like to proceed with assessment of the project that leads to a contract as soon as possible, and would like information about the details of the contract.  He noted that a Red Cedar Research Company report indicated Hudson as the third most efficient City in the western half of Wisconsin, but stated he believed we could do better.  Attorney Munkittrick advised that the firm should submit a letter of understanding for Council approval.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to authorize Mayor Breault and the City Attorney to obtain and review a contract from Strategy 1 Solutions.  Riedel clarified that this would not be approval of any contract, just proceeding with the next step to obtain and review it.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.  

 

Certified SurveyMap for two (2) residential lots east of 7th Street – Jeff/Jo Richie, 404 7th Street:>  Denny Darnold reported that the Plan Commission recommended approval.  He noted that the existing Richie residence was on Lot 1, and the new lot would be immediately east.  Mr. Darnold also called attention to minor amendments to the certified survey map regarding easements, sanitary sewer service and the requirement for a letter of credit.  MOTION by Riedel, second by Radermacher, to approve the two-lot certified survey map for two residential lots as proposed by Jo and Jeff Richie, 404 Seventh Street, with the CSM to be amended to designate 10-foot wide drainage and utility easements around the perimeter of each lot, and a 15-foot wide drainage and utility easement on the east 15 feet of Lot 2, and contingent on providing a letter of credit equal to 125% of the estimated cost of the restoration of street, curb and gutter, pathway and boulevard improvements on Seventh Street, due to the installation of sanitary sewer service.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

     City Administrator Devin Willi became present.

Request for rezoning 2.72 acres from R-1, One-Family Residential District to B-2, General Business District, south of Stageline Road and west of Bittersweet Drive – George Hoel – Ordinance No. 13-05:  dennis Darnold informed the Council that George Hoel has owned the property for several years and when the hospital was constructed, the City delayed rezoning of his land due to the nearby Ban Tara residential neighborhood.  Now that the Ban Tara property is being developed, the Plan Commission recommended approval of the rezoning request.  It was noted that this rezoning would be in compliance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. motion by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance No. 13-05.   Ayes (4), Riedel voted No. MOTION CARRIED.   MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to adopt the following:

 

ORDINANCE NO. 13-05

REZONING GEORGE HOEL PROPERTY FROM R-1 TO B-2, GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

Radermacher questioned whether any development plans were available.  Mr. Darnold replied that the potential developer was not ready to submit plans at this time. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Request by Tom Springer to waive required off-street parking (reduce from 21 to 12 stalls) at 717 Second Street:  It was noted that this item was removed from the agenda, at Mr. Springer’s request, and he has indicated he would be following the Plan Commission’s recommendation for parking.

 

Special Assessments for sanitary sewer and watermain along City-owned property on Krattley Lane – payable to Village of North Hudson:  Mayor Breault reported that the Finance Committee recommended payment of the amount due in 2006.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to approve payment in 2006 to the Village of North Hudson the special assessments for the Krattley Lane Sanitary Sewer and Watermain Project in the amount of $7,310.73, as indicated on the Preliminary Assessment Roll.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Request of Dennis Kroll for 720 First Street and Thomas Springer for 717 Second Street to rezone from I-1, Light Industrial District to B-3, Central Business District – Ordinance No. 7-05:  dennis Darnold stated that this rezoning request would change the property to the same zoning district as the rest of that block.  He also noted that the zoning is in compliance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan.             MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to adopt the following, with any provisions required by the WisDNR: 

 

ORDINANCE NO. 7-05

REZONING 720 1ST STREET AND 717 2ND STREET

FROM I-1, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL TO B-3 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Request for rezoning 20+ acres from R-1, One-Family Residential District to B-2, General Business District, south of Stageline Road and east of Carmichael Road – Ban   Tara, LLC – Ordinance No. 12-05:  Denny Darnold noted that the Public Hearing and first reading of the Ordinance occurred at the April 18th Council meeting.  He stated that the Plan Commission recommended approval of the rezoning, and it was in compliance with the City’s future land use and Comprehensive Plan.  He explained that the easement issues between Mr. John Kremer and Ban Tara LLC have been addressed.  Mr. Darnold noted that he and Attorney Munkittrick received copies of an Agreement regarding the easements.    

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to adopt the following: 

 

ORDINANCE NO. 12-05

REZONING 76 COULEE ROAD FROM R-1 TO B-2, GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Update on Projects – Dennis Postler:  Mr. Postler reported that the Carmichael Road traffic signals have been synchronized with the WisDOT signals.  Riedel questioned why the process took so long for completion, and Mr. Postler responded that BRA was recently provided with documentation indicating that the City could make signal-timing modifications with notification to the WisDOT.

 

Mr. Postler noted that some concrete median work still needs to be finished on the Carmichael Road/Hanley Road traffic signal, and they would monitor the cameras to see if any modifications are necessary.   He called attention to the other items in his report and asked if Council had any questions.  O’Connell inquired whether the three-lane left turn project had been advertised for bid, and Mr. Postler replied that it has not.

 

Amendment to zoning Code § 255-48 - Off-street parking requirements, to clarify language when a waiver of off-street parking is required – Community Development Director and City Attorney (Discussion and consideration of setting Public Hearing):  Mr. Darnold explained that the review continues and Attorney Munkittrick had prepared a draft of the proposed amendment.  He stated that under Section C, Exemptions, he would recommend “ten or fewer off-street parking spaces”, or six being the fewest he would recommend.  Mr. Darnold requested that a date for a Public Hearing be scheduled so the public could offer their opinions on this issue.  Discussion on parking spaces continued.  MOTION by O’Malley to schedule a Public Hearing for May 16, 2005 regarding the proposed amendment to Municipal Code, § 255-48, off-street parking requirements, with the number “six” inserted in Section C for exemptions.  MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to schedule the hearing for Monday, June 6, 2005 to allow time for the Class II notice to be published in the newspaper.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Walnut Street Bridge Repair Project:  BRA Engineer Todd Stevens provided a history of the project, noting that in 1998 the City and the WisDOT agreed that bridgework needed to be done.  Some repairs were completed in 2002, and in January of 2005, some additional options were offered.  At that time, rehabilitation of the bridge was recommended.  Mr. Stevens reported that new cost information has become available, and WisDOT has agreed to increase the amount for the project.  He stated that the State is willing to pay 80% of the total project cost, without a capped amount.  He noted that the City’s share ($64,000) for repairs only could make the bridge last 40 years.  A completely new bridge would cost the City approximately $89,000 and would last 75 years.  He requested Council review and determine how to proceed.

 

O’Malley commented that the Public Works Committee had recommended a total bridge replacement.  He noted that the additional $25,000 in cost would be worth the investment.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to proceed with a complete bridge replacement of the Walnut Street Bridge, at approximately $89,000 for the City’s share of the project costs.  Discussion of the construction timetable was held.  Completion was estimated to be prior to the winter of 2006.  It was noted that the City must request changing the letting date; Jim Eulberg was instructed to do so.  Radermacher questioned if any up-front money was needed.  Mayor Breault stated that, according to the Finance Officer, money could be borrowed for a short time to cover up-front expenses.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Amendment to Zoning Code, § 255-89.B. – Security deposit required for project review costs, to change language to reference the fee schedule – Community Development Director, - Ordinance No. 14-05:  mr. Darnold stated that this proposed change would clean up some of the language regarding security deposits.  He stated that this would remove the dollar amounts and would reference a separate fee schedule.  Another section addressed refunding deposit funds not expended within one year of the final application, and clarified that the City would not pay interest on the security deposits.  Mayor Breault suggested a change in the amount charged for the filing fees, adding that any expenses for City Staff involvement should be recouped and billed back to the developer.  Mr. Darnold agreed and stated that he, Mayor Breault and the Finance Officer could come up with such a method.  He recommended a first reading on the ordinance at this time, noting that he would return to the next Council meeting with recommendations for filing fee changes.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to conduct a first reading on Ordinance No. 14-05.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Recommendation from Hudson Area Joint Library Board to remove the pay telephone in Municipal Building:  O’Connell explained that this matter was discussed by the Joint Library Board, and it was reported that the pay phone in the lobby does not work.  He stated that the Library does not own the phone and is not interested in having a telephone at that location.  The Library Board voted to recommend having the telephone removed.  It was noted that most persons have cell phones, but the Librarians do allow patrons to use the Library phone to call for a ride.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Riedel, to authorize the removal of the pay telephone in the main floor lobby of the Municipal Building at 911 Fourth Street.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Request of Barry Stipe to schedule carnival in Plaza 94 outer parking lot:  Chief Trende reported that everything was in order and City Staff recommended approval.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the Stipe’s Carnival to be held May 5,6,7 and 8 in the outer parking lot of Plaza 94.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Approve new deposit fees for subdivision and development plan review:  this matter was held over to a future meeting.

 

Proclamations re: Police Week, Letter Carrier’s Food Drive Day and Kids Day

America/International:  Mayor Breault read the proclamations for Letter Carrier’s Food Drive Day and Kids Day America/International, both to be held on Saturday, May 14th, and Police Week as May 15 to 21, 2005.

 

     COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:  O’Malley thanked all who attended the recent pancake breakfast fundraiser for the Hudson Fire Department, noting that it was the best turnout ever.  O’Connell encouraged persons to place non-perishable food items in their mail boxes or in bags for collection by the letter carriers on May 14th.  He stated this was the fifth year, and each year it keeps getting better.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell to adjourn the meeting.  Meeting adjourned at 8:05 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