city of hudson common council meeting

minutes of monday, may 16, 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, Scot O’Malley and Carah Koch.

OTHERS PRESENT: Catherine Munkittrick, Dick Trende, Denny Darnold, Gordon Conard, Paul Boldischar, Betty Caruso, Jeff Johnson, Steve Apfelbacher, Dennis Postler, Randy Hanson, Don Maysack, Dan Roeglin, Laura Foster, Steve Alexander, Mr. Harp, Angela Popenhagen, Kim Heinemann, Katie O’Connell, Mackenzie Martin, Brian Riley, and others.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Mayor Breault called for comments three times; none were offered.

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 5/2/05.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

Fund	Description	payables	payroll	Totals
100	General	351,461.75	106,042.79	457,504.54
270	Police Drug Forfeiture	126.61	0.00	126.61
350	Special Assessments	49,568.75	0.00	49,568.75
610	Sewer	14,038.18	9,950.88	23,989.06
620	Parking Utility	24.00	787.77	811.77
630	Ambulance	2,964.30	5,928.18	8,892.48
	TOTALS	$418,183.59	$122,709.62	$540,893.21

Application for Operator’s License: Approve the issuance of a Temporary Operator's License, to be used June 17 and 18, 2005 at the River Rock event in Lakefront Park, to: Tracey Lynn Ziegler, 312 W. Pine Street, Roberts, WI.

St. Croix E.M.S. write-offs: Approve the EMS write-offs in the amount of $20,452.61, as recommended by LifeQuest, following Phase III of their collection procedures.

Reclassification of EMS Account Clerk I to Account Clerk II: Approve the reclassification of the EMS Account Clerk I to Account Clerk II, as approved by the St. Croix E.M.S. Commission.

Registration for Amusement Device Permits for 13 machines owned by Bertha Fenner at Dibbo’s, 517 Second Street: Approve the Amusement Device Permits for the 13 machines owned by Bertha Fenner at Dibbo’s, 517 Second Street, Hudson, WI.

Request for monthly car shows on Locust Street during the summer: To approve shows for collectable cars to be held on Locust Street (between Second and Third Streets) on the second Friday of the month from June through September, as planned by the Locust Street retail stores.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: To place on file the quarterly reports of the Police Chief and Water Utility Director, the Public Utility Commission minutes of 4/28/05 and 5/10/05, the St. Croix E.M.S. Commission minutes of 5/9/05, the Board of Review minutes of 5/9/05 and the Library Board minutes of 4/11/05.

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

Miss Hudson sponsorship: Ms. Laura Foster stated that she was representing the Miss Hudson Committee and Barker’s Bar and Grill. She reported that the Miss Hudson Pageant has existed since 1949 and the royalty participates in 40 parades and events in the area. She noted that she believed the City and the pageant had a natural relationship, since the royalty participants were good-will ambassadors for the City of Hudson. McKenzie Martin expressed her thanks and appreciation for the opportunities that she experienced as Miss Hudson 2004.

Mayor Breault announced his interest in seeking Council approval to pursue the idea of co-sponsoring the event. He noted he would be working with the City Attorney to assure that all insurance and liability aspects were covered. He explained that if all issues were satisfied, there were funds available in the Room Tax fund that could be added to the $2,500 sponsorship from Barkers Bar and Grill. A total of $5,000 would cover all expenses for the Miss Hudson program. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to authorize the City to pursue the possibility of co-sponsoring the Miss Hudson pageant. O’Malley added that he agreed that the use of Room Tax revenues would be a good fit for this type of a program. Mayor Breault thanked Miss Foster and the other volunteers for contributing their time and efforts to such a worthy cause. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Resolution No. 7–05 authorizing the City of Hudson to borrow approximately $2,515,000 by issuing GO Promissory Notes pursuant to Sec. 67.12(12) of Wisconsin Statutes, and authorizing the sale of the notes: mr. Steve Apfelbacher, President of Ehlers and Associates, addressed the Council regarding the financing for the 2005-06 Capital Projects. He stated that as part of the bonding process, a meeting was scheduled with Moody’s Investors Service in Chicago. As a result, the City’s bond rating was upgraded from A2 to A1 status, and he read the official opinion published by Moody’s, which was very complimentary of the financial operations of the City. Mr. Apfelbacher stated that Moody’s was very impressed with the presentation made on behalf of the City. He stated that Finance Officer Betty Caruso led the delegation, with Community Development Director Dennis Darnold, auditor Steve Tracey of Tracey & Thole, S.C., and himself.

Brian Riley of Ehlers and Associates explained the municipal bonding process. He noted that this issue received six bids from the Midwest, and the low bid was submitted by UMB Bank in Kansas City, MO at a very good interest rate of 3.6365%. Mr. Riley reported that the interest rate was lower than anticipated, which means paying approximately $571,000 in interest instead of $693,000. The overall projected total difference was more than $130,000. He noted the very favorable terms for this issue. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 7-05. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Radermacher, second by Riedel, to adopt the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 7-05

AUTHORIZING BORROWING OF $2,515,00 BY ISSUING GO PROMISSORY NOTES

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

MOTION CARRIED.

Final development plans for a 10,945 square foot church facility at 1901 Vine Street (north of Vine Street/west of Grandview Drive) – First Presbyterian Church: Dennis Darnold explained that the First Presbyterian Church proposed to construct an 11,000 square foot facility with one access from Vine Street. He noted that one neighbor had a concern that was being addressed. Mr. Darnold stated that the Plan Commission had recommended approval of the final plans, following review and approval by City Staff prior to issuance of the Building Permit. He noted that a Letter of Credit in the amount of $16,600 would be needed to assure street restoration. MOTION by Riedel, second by Radermacher, to approve the final development plans for a 10,945 square foot church facility as proposed by First Presbyterian Church at 1901 Vine Street, with the plans to be revised per the City Engineer’s recommendations and submitted for final review and approval by City Staff prior to issuance of the building permit, and that a Letter of Credit in the amount of $16,600 be provided to assure restoration of the street, curb and gutter. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Grading plans for a 20-acre commercial site north of Stageline Road and east of STH 35 – DaMe Properties: dennis Darnold reported that earlier in the year the Council approved a grading permit for this site. He explained that Hoffman Construction has now submitted a revised plan with a significantly larger grading area, but he told them that the grading would have to be restricted to that area approved in the original plan. Mr. Darnold reported that the Plan Commission recommended approval with the revised plans to be reviewed by the City Engineer, stabilization of the slope, and grass covered by September 1^st as required by the DOT. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve the revised grading plans for the DaMe Properties’ 20-acre parcel located east of STH 35 and north of Stageline Road contingent on review and recommendations of the City Engineer. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Prairie Vegetation Plan and fire management plan for 10+ acres south of Hanley Road and west of O’Neil Road – Milestone Materials/Mathy Construction: dennis Darnold stated that this request was proposed last fall, and the Municipal Code has now been amended to allow this type of open burning for vegetative management. He called attention to several requirements and procedures that would need to be met. He also explained that all tenants in the Business Park would be notified of such burns, as well as others within one-quarter of a mile. MOTION by Koch, second by Radermacher, to approve the prairie vegetation plan as provided by Milestone Materials/Mathy Construction, contingent on revision of the plan to include the recommendations of the Fire Department regarding identification of the water supply proposed for fire suppression, provision of a plan for traffic control on Hanley Road, and notification to the St. Croix Business Park and surrounding owners when the burn is scheduled. Riedel questioned whether any toxins from herbicides that had been applied could be released during such burns. Mr. Darnold agreed to check into the matter. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Plat/development plat amendment for Heritage Greens and Heritage Greens First Addition to modify type of housing units and access – BrightKEYS Development: Mr. Darnold explained the proposed changes to the Heritage Greens and the Heritage Greens First Addition residential development. He stated that the Plan Commission was in favor of the changes and modifications to the plat. Mr. Darnold added that some easements and locations of buildings would need to be amended on the plat. He noted that the Fire Department has indicated that the proposed 20-foot wide alleyway would be adequate for emergency vehicles used for fire suppression. MOTION by Riedel, second by to approve the site development plans and plat amendments as proposed in the Heritage Greens and Heritage Greens First Addition plat with the provision of access easements, and contingent on review by the Fire Department and revision of the plans per the City Engineer’s recommendations. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Request of The Nova, 236 Coulee Road, for changes in the premises/serving area described in their wine and beer license: mayor Breault reported that the Finance Committee had recommended approval with the contingency that the Community Development Director and Building Inspector Mike Wallace agree that sufficient parking spaces are provided. He stated that they must make sure that the proper numbers of parking spaces are available to accommodate the additional outdoor seating area. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to approve the request for changes in the premises/serving area described in the wine and beer license for The Nova at 236 Coulee Road, Suite 2. MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to include contingent upon approval from Mike Wallace and Dennis Darnold that the parking space requirements have been satisfied. Mayor Breault reminded the representatives from The Nova to submit the information to verify their food and liquor sales percentages. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Review Letter of Understanding from Strategy1 Consulting, Inc. mayor Breault stated that the Finance Committee had recommended approval of the project and to move forward. MOTION by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to approve the agreement with Strategy 1 Consulting to complete an analysis and assessment of the City’s usage of staff and technology, at a cost not to exceed $24,000, as submitted. Riedel questioned the objectives that would be met during the analysis. He wondered if the City’s objectives had been identified and what was their source. He stated that he believed the impetus for the project was due to an employee working large amounts of overtime. Mayor Breault and O’Malley denied that reason; O’Malley stated his concern was for the network of computers. Mayor Breault stated that the Department Heads would be interviewed for any possible suggestions about operations or better methods or solutions. He stated that the study was not to eliminate anyone’s job; the intent was to get good information from all the staff in order to possibly find a better approach to City operations. Mayor Breault stated that Strategy 1 Solutions and other firms were contacted, although no other companies were found to perform this type of job. Koch questioned whether the project had been advertised for bids. Mayor Breault responded that the name of the company submitted by Alderperson Riedel did not work out. He added that the money for the study would come from the Contingency Fund.

Riedel commented that after the study is completed, putting the plan into action would need to be considered. He noted that more decisions would need to be made that could involve further cost. Mayor Breault reminded the Council that reports from the firm would be on a bi-weekly basis. The consensus of the Council was that it would be a good idea to look at the City operations to find out whether they could be done better. Koch expressed concern about the relationship between a member of the consulting group and the City Administrator. Mr. Boldischar explained that only he and his associate Megan Ruppert would be working on site. He stated that Mr. Brent Willi would not be involved in interviewing or gathering data, and they would try to eliminate that as an issue.

Discussion regarding the computer systems continued. Mr. Boldischar confirmed that the firm was not partnered with any computer or software vendors or associations. Ayes (5); Koch voted No – MOTION CARRIED.

Application of Hudson Area Jaycees for Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s license to sell beer at the River Rock event to be held June 17 and 18, 2005 in Lakefront Park: motion by Radermacher, second by Laatsch, to approve the application of the Hudson Area Jaycees for a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer at the River Rock event June 17 and 18, 2005 in Lakefront Park. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Treasurer’s report: finance Officer Betty Caruso provided copies of the 2004 General Fund summary report. She noted that the annual audit would give more specific details. She added that at the end of the year, the fund balance had only decreased by $107,000 instead of the $300,000 that was anticipated. Ms. Caruso also noted that $1,301,000 of the fund balance was undesignated and $800,000 was in working capital. She explained that the undesignated fund balance had approximately $340,000 more than what was required by the new Fund Balance Policy.

Ms. Caruso also stated that the interest rate for the bond issue was very favorable, and would also be a benefit to the City. Mayor Breault directed that anyone with questions should contact the Finance Officer. He and O’Malley complimented Ms. Caruso on her good management of the City funds.

Request for loading zone at Midwest Dry Cleaners: Riedel announced that there was a request from Midwest Inc. Dry Cleaners to move the drop-off spot from the Commercial Street side of the building to the last space on the west side of Second Street at Commercial Street. He noted that the sign would indicate a 10-minute limit for loading and unloading. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher to approve a 10-minute loading zone at the last space on the west side of Second Street at the Commercial Street intersection, and to remove the loading zone on Commercial Street. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Request for speed limit and stop signs in the Bieneman development: Riedel explained that when the development was originally laid out, there was a plan to install traffic signs at certain intersections, but the plan has not yet been completed. He noted that the Safety Committee recommended the installation. MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Connell, to approve the installation of speed and stop signs in the Bieneman Farms Townhomes development, according to the original development plans. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Speeding issues on First Street: riedel reported that speeding was not the only issue; it also involved placing stop signs at some intersections. He noted the concerns for pedestrian crossings and the potential for collisions. He stated that it was understood that stop signs were only to control traffic from a safety standpoint, not to try and slow the speed of traffic. MOTION by Radermacher, second by Riedel to approve the installation of stop signs on First Street at the intersection of Vine Street and the Walnut Street intersection. Mayor Breault stated the need to monitor the situation when the Stillwater Bridge is closed and more traffic will be coming through Hudson. He indicated concern that a backup will be created, and added that he is not aware of any accidents at either of the First Street intersections. Chief Trende clarified that the main concern was for pedestrians. During discussion, it was noted that it would be good to have safety measures in place and try this method and see how it works out. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

St. Croix Music and Art Festival: Riedel explained the proposal to have the St. Croix Music and Art Festival in Lakefront Park from July 15th to 17^th. He stated this was an annual event and during the past twelve years there have been no incidents. MOTION by Koch, second by Riedel, to approve the 12^th annual St. Croix Music and Art Festival in Lakefront Park July 15-17, 2005. O’Malley questioned the location of the beer booths. It was noted that the site of the beer booths would remain the same as last year. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

River Rock Music Festival in Lakefront Park: riedel reported on the request for the second annual rock music festival to be held in Lakefront Park in June. The proceeds this year would go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and local families with members who have Cystic Fibrosis. O’Malley questioned the number of persons expected to attend; Jeff Johnson responded that last year the number in attendance was between 2,000 and 2,500 and they hope that this year there would be even more. O’Malley called attention to the City’s Large Assembly ordinance, noting that it wouldn’t affect this request, but perhaps future requests. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Issues regarding geese population in Lakefront Park: parks Superintendent Dan Roeglin stated that he had received many complaints about the mess from the ducks and geese in Lakefront Park and the potential for disease. He stated that this involves only the white and gray domestic geese, not the Canadian Geese or other native wild game birds. Mr. Roeglin reported that the Park Board discussed the possibility of removing as many of the domestic geese as possible, and that no permit would be required. He stated that this would not be the total solution to the problem, and instituting a ban on feeding the geese would address the large amounts of corn and feed that remains in the area. Mr. Roeglin stated that they would try the feeding ban on a trial basis, and if successful, they would return to the Council and request an ordinance. He stated that the Park Board recommended hiring a firm to remove and relocate the domestic geese at a cost up to $1,000. MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley to hire American Animal Control to remove and relocate the domestic geese in Lakefront Park at a cost of $25 per bird, with a minimum cost of $500 and a maximum of $1,000. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Update on Projects: dennis Postler reported that the traffic signal at Carmichael and Hanley Road has been activated and synchronized, and the results have been very good. O’Connell inquired about the triple left-turn lane; O’Malley responded that the bids have been advertised. A question arose concerning the plans for the Tourist Information Center property. Mayor Breault stated that a proposal from the DOT should be submitted within two to four weeks.

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: Mayor Breault explained that the first reading occurred on May 2, 2005. Dennis Darnold reported that this would help clarify the language about the security deposits that would be required. He explained that Attorney Munkittrick had reviewed the ordinance and the actual dollar amounts were removed and replaced by a reference to a fee schedule. He noted that staff and the Plan Commission recommend approval. MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Connell, to adopt the following:

ORDINANCE NO. 14-05

AMEND CH. 255-89 B. re: Security Deposits for project review costs

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

During discussion, it was noted that Attorney Munkittrick had reviewed and approved the ordinance, without contingencies. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Approve new deposit fees for subdivision and development plan review: Mr. Darnold stated that some of the fees needed to be changed from $1,000 to $1,500, noting that many times the $1,000 does not cover all the review costs. He stated that the new deposit fees should eliminate the need to go back to the developers requesting payment for additional review costs. He added that raising the filing fees from $100 to $200 would better cover the administrative costs relating to the projects. MOTION by Radermacher, second by Laatsch, to approve the filing fees and review deposits for subdivisions, developments and conditional use permits, as submitted by Dennis Darnold. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Applications for 2005 Fireworks Paraphernalia Permits: police Chief Trende noted that all the applications were in order. MOTION by Koch, second by O’Malley, to approve 2005 Fireworks Paraphernalia Permits to allow the sale of fireworks from June 15^th until July 7^th, to the following:

NAME/FIRM LOCATION OF SALES

Charles Walker Wal-mart, 2222 Crest View Drive

TNT Fireworks

charles Walker Target, 2401 Coulee Road

TNT Fireworks

Paul Erickson Fleet Farm, 1001 Industrial Street

Carolyn J. Osbeck Hudson Flooring, 1800 Crest View Drive

North Hudson Ventures Inc.

Ron Campbell Freedom Valu Center, 1917 Coulee Road

Gloria Naidyhorski Freedom Valu Center, 210 Second Street

Roberta Masanz Holiday station, 1207 Coulee Road

SSG Corporation

Janell Johnson Holiday station, 1920 Crest View Drive

SSG Corporation

Ed Kruse Holiday station, 100 Second Street

SSG Corporation

All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Request of Barry Stipe to schedule carnival in Plaza 94 outer parking lot, May 19-22, 2005: mayor Breault stated that he thought the Stipe’s Shows was a nice operation. It was questioned whether the carnival was disruptive to any of the businesses at Plaza 94. Mr. Maysack was in the audience and stated it was disruptive to his coffee business in the parking lot, however, allowing the carnival was the decision of the owner of the parking lot. MOTION by Riedel, second by O’Connell to approve the Stipe’s Shows carnival to be held in the Plaza 94 outer parking lot May 19 to 22, 2005. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Appointments to Board of Review: mayor Breault requested confirmation of his appointments to the Board of Review. MOTION by Riedel, second by O’Malley, to approve Mayor Breault’s appointments to the Board of Review, with City Clerk Nancy Norvold as a member and City Administrator Devin Willi as an alternate member. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Proclamations re: Public Works Week and EMS Week: mayor Breault announced that May 15^th to 21^st was National Public Works Week and all were invited to attend the Public Works Picnic May 19^th at Prospect Park. He congratulated the Public Works Department for doing an outstanding job.

Mayor Breault also read the proclamation designating May 15^th through 21^st as Emergency Medical Services Week. He emphasized that through the dedication and training of our EMTs and Paramedics, they are following the 2005 theme of being “Ready, Responsive and Reliable.” Mayor Breault and Radermacher complimented and expressed gratitude to them.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: O’Connell thanked everyone who participated in the Letter Carrier’s Food Drive on Saturday, May 14^th, and reported that 7,500 pounds of food was collected for the Food Shelf. O’Malley complimented Chief Trende and the Police Department for preparing the 2004 Police Department Annual Report.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:22 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

Date approved

by Council: