CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF MONDAY, MAY 4, 2009

Meeting called to order by Mayor Dean Knudson in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Knudson lead those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

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, Denny Darnold, Phil Dommer, Gordon Conard, Denny Darnold, Marty Jensen, Randy Hanson, Linda Donaldson, Tom Zeuli, Dick Grekoff, Pat Casanova, Steve Wilcox, Tom Smith, and others.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Mayor Knudson called for comments and suggestions from citizens present. Devin Willi announced that Hudson has been selected to host the Peewee International Friendship Hockey Tournament in the summer of 2011. He stated approximately 300 skaters from around the world and their families would attend; a formal announcement is expected in June.

Mayor Knudson called for other comments or suggestions; none were given.

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

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 4/20/09, Annual Organizational Meeting minutes of 4/21/09, and the Special Meeting Minutes of 4/27/09.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

FUND	DESCRIPTION	PAYABLES	PAYROLL	TOTALS
100	General	90,463.79	153,095.13	243,558.92
280	Park Donations	1,011.69	0.00	1,011.69
290	Police Donations	205.50	0.00	205.50
330	2001 "B" Bonds	385.00	0.00	385.00
610	Sewer	9,976.58	9,457.00	19,433.58
620	Parking	175.90	1,153.20	1,329.10
630	Ambulance	4,776.06	30,736.81	35,512.87
	TOTALS	106,994.52	194,442.14	301,436.66

Consider pay adjustment for Lead Gardener: Approve the updated job descriptions for Gardener and Lead Gardener positions, as submitted, and approve a 50-cent per hour pay adjustment for the Lead Gardener.

Request of Community Access Board to share costs for one additional room darkening shade in Council Chambers: Approve the payment of $208 for half the cost of an additional room-darkening shade for the Council Chambers.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the quarterly report of the Library Director, semi-annual report of the Community Development Director, and the Community Access Board minutes of 4/28/09, and the Board of Zoning Appeals minutes of 7/23/08.

Roll call vote, Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Rezoning request of blue Jay Properties, LLC to rezone properties at 653-661 Ban Tara Lane from R-1, One-family Residential District to RM-1, Multiple Family Residential District (part of Section 32, T29N, R19W Town of Hudson) – Ordinance No. 7-09: Denny Darnold stated that the Plan Commission and the Extraterritorial Zoning Committee recommended approval for rezoning the property on Ban Tara Lane from One-family Residential to Multiple Family Residential District. He stated his opinion that the area would be better served with the zoning changes. Questions were raised regarding septic systems versus City services as well as spot zoning.

Mr. Darnold noted that zoning was the only matter being considered at this time. The building and number of units would be handled in a separate process. Mr. Grekoff spoke about the septic system and noted that the number of units in the development would be equal to the number of bedrooms allowed if the area remained zoned for single family homes. Additional discussion was held regarding the number of units and the building height. Information was shared concerning the septic system, zoning in the Town of Hudson, and the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

MOTION by Wyland, second by O’Malley, to conduct a first reading on Ordinance 7-09. It was discussed that the topic would be an agenda item at the next meeting. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Placement of statue in Lakefront Park as proposed by the Boy Scouts of America: this matter was postponed to later in the meeting.

APPLICATIONS FOR OPERATOR’S LICENSES: Morrissette recused himself. MOTION by Wyland, second by Burchill to approve the issuance of regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 5/5/09 to 6/30/10 to:

Michael J. Kunz 1122 Sommers Street N. Hudson, WI

Lindsey R. Perry 1909 Industrial St. #2 Hudson, WI

Ryan A. Ploeger 1910 Aspen Dr. Apt. 301 Hudson, WI

Laura E. Speltz 1441 143^rd St. Apt. 153 Burnsville, MN

And Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 5/5/09 to 6/30/11 to:

Michael J. Anderson 4790 Centerville Rd. #208 White Bear Lake, MN

Andrew J. Auge 9486 71^st Bay Street Cottage Grove, MN

Crystal R. Cadalbert 708 Crosby Drive Hudson, WI

Andrea R. Dolan 210 St. Croix Street Hudson, WI

Danielle M. Fagan 811 Jack Pine Court Somerset, WI

Christopher G. Francis 770 Crosby Drive Hudson, WI

Bryan K. Hoovestol 315 Oakridge Drive N. Hudson, WI

Brian K. Hoyt 1235 Second Street Hudson, WI

Dianne K. Joachim 1141 123^rd Avenue New Richmond, WI

Brianne R. Kiefer 441 Krattley Lane Hudson, WI

Andrea L. King 811 Vine Street Hudson, WI

Kyle E. McNamee 528 Spruce Drive Hudson, WI

Frank A. Mooth 818 Tenth Street Hudson, WI

Melissa R. Nye 1551 9^th St. Circle SE Forest Lake, MN

Betsy M. Oehlke 854 290^th Street Woodville, WI

Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Changes to Employee Handbook: Bernard questioned whether checking a person’s driving record could be a condition for hiring or continuing employment. City Attorney Munkittrick advised that could be considered if it was a requirement for the position. City Administrator Devin Willi will work on additional changes to the wording and include it on the next meeting agenda.

Consider accepting grant funds for improvements at Prospect Park (former hospital site): Mayor Knudson provided a history on the grant application procedures. He noted the requirements of the DNR on acceptable activities for the park, if the grant funds are accepted. He also reported that the Finance Committee recommended accepting the grant. Morrissette stated he did not agree with the DNR grant requirements and could not support the plan. Mayor Knudson explained the possibility of swapping some property if there is a need to substitute land to meet the park land requirements.

MOTION by Wyland, second by O’Malley, to accept the $53,579.54 DNR grant funds for improvements at Prospect Park. Ayes (5), Morrissette voted No. MOTION CARRIED.

Consider adoption of a policy for the placement and maintenance of memorials on public property: attorney Munkittrick presented a draft of a policy concerning the placement of memorials on public property. She stated the purpose was to establish criteria for reviewing and accepting donations of various types of memorials to be installed on public property. She noted the reason for the policy was to make it clear that the City controls what permanent types of memorials, statues, etc. can be placed on its property.

Mayor Knudson shared information regarding the current request for placement of a Boy Scout statue in Lakefront Park. He noted that O’Malley had also provided a version of a draft policy and that the Finance Committee had recommended incorporating criteria from his policy with the City Attorney’s. MOTION by O’Malley to have a first reading of the policy. Attorney Munkittrick stated a first reading was not needed regarding adoption of a policy.

MOTION by Burchill, second by Brokaw to adopt the Policy for Placing Memorials on Public Property dated 5/1/09, as presented by Attorney Munkittrick. Discussion was held concerning realistic and representational art work.

O’Malley requested the MOTION be AMENDED to include paragraphs D and E from his revised proposal. Paragraph D stated that memorials and monuments shall be in the form of plaques made of suitable durable material and which may contain writing or writing with artwork. Paragraph E noted that statues should depict the image or likeness of a person or persons who existed in real life and who influenced the City’s cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history, or similar statuary representation of the founding groups of Hudson. Mayor Knudson called for a second to the amended motion three times; none was given. AMENDED MOTION FAILED for lack of a second.

Discussion was held regarding the need for further review. Mayor Knudson reminded that this was a policy that could be changed whenever necessary (and that it would be a topic on the May 5^th Park Board agenda).

Park Board Chairman Pat Casanova shared his views on the topic. Vote taken: Ayes (5); O’Malley voted No. MOTION CARRIED.

Placement of statue in Lakefront Park as proposed by the Boy Scouts of America: Mayor Knudson suggested that final approval not be given until the Park Board has a chance to review the request and consider requirements in the policy adopted for placement of memorials on public property. Denny Darnold stated that the Plan Commission recommended approval, and explained the proposed location in Lakefront Park on the north side of the extension of Walnut Street. He reported that the Plan Commission believes the Boy Scouts have a long-standing history in the community and that the organization was worthy of having the statue in Lakefront Park.

Discussion was held regarding the size of the area that would be occupied. Mayor Knudson reviewed the criteria from the newly adopted policy that should be used to help decide whether to allow the request. He also recommended scheduling a public hearing. Steve Wilcox spoke in support of scouting and noted the number of Eagle Scouts in this area. Tom Smith expressed support for the placement of the statue on private land, not public land.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to refer request for placement of a statue in Lakefront Park to the Park Board. Discussion was held concerning whether the motion needed to include the scheduling of a public hearing; Mayor Knudson stated he could schedule a public hearing without it being part of the motion. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Update on Projects: bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz provided an update and noted that installation of curb and gutter on Heritage Boulevard was in progress. He also reviewed the plans for the Carmichael Road Mill and Overlay Project and stated that message boards would be installed alerting the public of pending construction; the project was expected to begin May 11, 2009. Information was shared regarding detours and the plan to work at night. Posting information on the City website and newspaper was also noted, as well as a possible message board on I-94. Business owners in the area will also be contacted. Morrissette requested an update regarding the status of the hotel construction.

Consider amending Municipal Code, Ch. 187-19, Sex Offender Residency – Ordinance No. 6-09: City Attorney Catherine Munkittrick shared information on recent changes to the proposed ordinance regarding sex offender residency requirements, Ordinance No. 6-09. She provided a new document and noted the changes. It was questioned whether the address of the Municipal Building should be included, noting that the Municipal Court could move to another location at some future date. Discussion was held regarding exemption stipulations and private property owners allowing their own exemptions.

MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, for a first reading of Ordinance No. 6-09. It was clarified that the minor changes discussed would be included in the final version for adoption. O’Malley shared a map that detailed where the 250-foot zone would apply, and expressed his concerns. He noted that only two of the currently registered offenders live outside that area. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Framework of Sustainable Community Principles – Resolution No. 4-09: mayor Knudson introduced the resolution and shared background information. He noted that the Intergovernmental Advisory Council drafted a common resolution for the respective boards and councils to consider. He explained that the resolution declared the community-wide commitment to adhere to principles of environmentally sound practices, and recommended adoption of the resolution. Discussion was held on the benefits of adopting the resolution.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 4-09. Ayes (4); Morrissette and Burchill voted No - MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Brokaw to adopt the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 4-09

ADOPTING A FRAMEWORK OF SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PRINCIPLES

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

Morrissette questioned the wording of “materials extracted from the earth.” Bernard voiced her concern of the need for adoption and questioned if there was a plan in place for following the principles (in the resolution), or if it would trigger any activity. Additional discussion was held concerning the creation of a framework and foundation for the future.

Vote taken: Ayes: Brokaw, Wyland, and O’Malley (3); Morrissette, Bernard and Burchill voted no. Mayor Knudson broke the tie and voted yes. MOTION CARRIED.

communications and recommendations of the mayor - ProclamationS re: LETTER CARRIERS FOOD DRIVE AND POLICE WEEK: Mayor Knudson read the proclamations regarding Letter Carriers Food Drive Day and Police Week.

communications and items for future agendas: Burchill announced that Public Works Committee meetings would be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. It was noted that the Finance Committee would meet at 6:00 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month, and the time could be moved to 5:30 p.m., if needed.

Mayor Knudson reminded members of the Special Council meeting at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6^th.

O’Malley announced that the St. Croix Sailing School held a fundraiser and classes would begin June 15^th.

CLOSED SESSION pursuant to §19.85(1)(e) Wis. Stats. to discuss labor union negotiations with Teamsters union: motion by Bernard, second by Wyland to convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(e) Wis. Stats. to discuss labor union negotiations with the Teamsters Union. Roll call vote: all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED AT 8:45 p.m.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill to adjourn. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED at 9:23 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