CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF WEDNESDAY, JULY 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, Dennis O’Connell, Paul Radermacher, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley and Carah Koch.  

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Denny Darnold, Angela Popenhagen, Jim Eulberg, Paul Larson, Betty Caruso, Randy Hanson, Gordon Conard, Don Gilbert, and others.

 

Mayor Breault led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT:   Mayor Breault called for comments from citizens present; none were given.

 

     CONSENT AGENDA:   MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

 

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 6/19/06 and Special Meeting minutes of 6/17/06 AND 6/29/06.

  

Conditional Use Permit – One-year extension and review of outside storage at 1500 Crest View Drive, Valley Pools & Spas of Hudson:  Approve a one-year extension of the Conditional Use Permit to Valley Pools & Spas of Hudson at 1500 Crest View Drive for the outdoor display area on the north and west sides of the building, with the condition that the area be enclosed with a five-foot high fence, and that cleanup continue on the east side of the building.

 

Claims:   Approve the following claims for payment:

 

Fund

Description

payables

payroll

Totals

100

General

290,190.15

152,887.97

443,078.12

450

Capital Projects

5,203.53

0.00

5,203.53

610

Sewer

5,700.93

10,358.02

16,058.95

620

Parking Utility

299.70

720.45

1,020.15

630

Ambulance

14,174.62

20,197.07

34,371.69

 

Total

$315,568.93

$184,163.51

$499,732.44

 

Applications for Operator’s Licenses:  Approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2008 to:

 

Lynn A. Williamson         1400 Namekagon St. #312    Hudson, WI

Jonathon D. Breidel        1962 Brookstone Circle     Hudson, WI

James P. McCormack         1125 Third Street          Hudson, WI

Allan J. Ballard                996 W. 8th St., # 207            New Richmond WI

Sara L. McPhetres          1517 Second Street         Hudson, WI

JoEllen M. Stevens         1800 Aspen Dr., #206       Hudson, WI

David J. Bear              1174 County Rd I                Hudson, WI

Andrew A. Kluck            1400 Namekagon St. #209    Hudson, WI

Slobodan Spasic            Cedar Court                Hudson, WI

Karey A. Colberg                390 Leeward Trail          Woodbury, MN

Breann M. Spencer          809 Antler Ridge                Hudson, WI

Megan L. Danielson         1577 Helmo Ave             Oakdale, MN

Ryan B. Bell               1706 Cudd Circle                Hudson, WI

Douglas R. Delameter       630 Kinnickinnic St.       Hudson, WI

Stephanie J. Johnson       117˝ 6th Street            Hudson, WI

Kimberly J. Macynski       8487 Timberwood Rd.        Woodbury, MN

Eric L. Peterson                916 6th Street             Hudson, WI

Dan J. Kromer              485 Fox Circle             Hudson, WI

Kyle W. Kromer             564 Tower Road             Hudson, WI

Nathan A. Hunstiger        1320 6th Street            Hudson, WI

 

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:  Place on file the Community Access Board minutes of 6/27/06.

 

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

 

Sign permit for four 6-foot by 6-foot signs in the clock towers of Wells Fargo Bank, 600 Second Street:  Dennis Darnold explained that the Plan Commission was recommending approval with some conditions about the lighting of the signs.  Discussion was held regarding the size and shape of the signs.  It was noted that they would prefer to have a circular shaped sign replace the clock, if possible.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve the request of Wells Fargo Bank to cover the clock area and immediate brick space on the Wells Fargo building with a square logo sign, with the condition that the sign use low intensity lighting.  Discussion included information that the west facing sign would not be lit.  Mr. Darnold would issue a separate sign permit for a similar sign to be placed in the tower in another portion of the building.  Vote, all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.  

 

Review bids and award contract for 2006 Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter          Replacement Project:  mayor Breault announced that the Finance Committee recommended accepting the lowest bid.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to approve the bid and award the 2006 Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter Replacement Project to Bailey Construction in the amount of $55,624.00.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Funding sources for Walnut Street Emergency Repairs:  finance Officer Betty Caruso explained that funds for the Walnut Street repairs could be available in the bond proceeds, if the mill and overlay projects for the parking lots were taken from the Parking Utility.  She also noted that the Parking fund would still have enough to pay for the new parking meters. MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the use of $28,900 from bond proceeds that are released by using the Parking Utility funds for the mill and overlay of the Harbor Lot and North Lot.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Storm Water Utility – cost of Feasibility Study:  engineer Angela Popenhagen of Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik & Associates, reviewed the costs of the Feasibility Study for the Storm Water Utility.  She noted that the hours for data gathering had been reduced, resulting in a total estimated cost of $7,125.00 to prepare the report.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to authorize BRA to proceed with the Feasibility Study for a Storm Water Utilityat the estimated cost of $7,125.00, as submitted.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.    UPDATE ON PROJECTS:  Ms. Popenhagen reviewed the Update on Projects report and noted that the wear course and striping were completed in the Grandview Parking Lot project.  She noted that the survey work was finished for the Crest View Drive Triple Left Turn Lane to Carmichael Road; the analysis will follow.  Brief discussion was held concerning the lane markings, and it was noted that more testing needed to be completed.  She reported that a meeting would be held on July 19th regarding the Walnut/6th Street emergency repairs.

 

     Council was provided copies of a 7/5/06 BRA memo regarding the Vine Street and Diamond Drive traffic control analysis.  Ms. Popenhagen explained that data was collected to determine whether a stop sign was warranted at the intersection.  The types and numbers of accidents were reviewed.  Of the eight crashes in four years, five involved vehicles and deer; the other three accidents were considered correctible.  She stated that based on the analysis, they found that the intersection did not meet the all stop or signal requirements at this time.  The report was placed on file in the Clerk’s office. 

 

     Discussion was held regarding alternative methods for increasing pedestrian safety, and the previous Council vote on the subject.  MOTION by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to place on the next Public Safety Committee agenda and readdress the topic of a stop sign on Vine Street at Diamond Drive.  Attorney Munkittrick stated that since this matter originally came from the Public Safety Committee, Council could send it back to the Committee for further review, based on the new traffic data provided.  Frustration on the issue was expressed.  Vote taken, Ayes: O’Malley, O’Connell and Koch (3); Noes: Wyland, Radermacher and Morrissette.  Mayor broke the tie and voted yes to send the matter back to the Public Safety Committee. 

 

Update on the Nye/Aldrich Street drainage study:  ms. Popenhagen presented information concerning additional storm water analysis for the area of Nye Street and Aldrich Avenue.  She stated that following review of all the options, they recommended using Option 3.  Ms. Popenhagen reported that the concept plans would be submitted to WisDOT for review and approval.  Discussion of the budget was held.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve Option 3 of the concept plans for the Nye Street and Aldrich Avenue Stormwater Improvement Project, with submittal to WisDOT for review and approval.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Information re: request to amend City Code to eliminate restaurant requirement for Class “B” beer licensees:  city Attorney Munkittrick reviewed information from her memo of 6/28/06 regarding possible amendment to the City Code to eliminate the restaurant requirement for Class “B” Beer licenses.  She stated that the reason for the City’s requirement was to establish a certain type of atmosphere in the City, and to also make it easer to determine the type of establishment that would be eligible for a Class “B” Beer license.  She reported that she had contacted other cities about their restrictions.  Ms. Munkittrick also reminded the Council that their consideration should be based on whether the change would be in the best interests of the City, and not based on the specific Golf Links situation.

 

     Discussion included being able to define the categories of businesses other than restaurants, and the difficulties that could arise.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to approve no change to Municipal Code, Chapter 145-20 B, and maintain the current restaurant requirement for a separate Class “B” Beer license.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Update on health insurance:  Administrator Willi provided an update on the issue of seeking health insurance bids.  He noted that the deadline for submittal of bids and quotes was set at August 18th and published as a legal notice in the newspaper.  He also explained the procedures that were necessary for the unions to follow, as well as the requirements for the current State insurance plan.

 

     Mr. Willi explained the request from Northwestern, representing Health Partners, to extend the submittal deadline, and he asked for Council direction.  Attorney Munkittrick stated that Council had the discretion to change the date, but would need to republish the notice.  Additional information was shared concerning the possible amount of savings, insurance coverage, and the bidding process.  The length of time for employees to respond with health and claims information was also considered.  MOTION by Koch, second by Radermacher, to not extend the deadline for submitting bids for a city health insurance plan.  All ayes, (6) MOTION CARRIED.

 

Final Resolution No. 9-06 re: 2006 Sidewalk and Curb/Gutter Replacement                Program Special Assessments:   motion by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 9-06.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to adopt the following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 9-06

Final Resolution authorizing 2006 Sidewalk,

Curb & Gutter Replacement Program Special Assessments

 

     all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Review plans and specifications and authorize advertising for bids for RiverWalk Lighting Project:  angela Popenhagen reviewed the cost estimate and decorative lighting plan.  She stated that the fixtures would be similar to those currently in the north end of Lakefront Park.  She noted that the plan was approved by the Parks Department and it would not interfere with the Walnut Street Bridge Project.  The estimated cost was $123,773.51.  Funding for the project was discussed.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by Radermacher, to approve the plans and specifications and authorize advertising for bids for the Riverwalk Lighting Project.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Appointment to Hudson Area Joint Library Board:  motion by O’Malley, second by O’Connell to confirm Mayor Breault’s appointment of Dan Koch, 465 County Trunk UU, Hudson, as the School District representative on the Hudson Area Joint Library Board through December 31, 2008.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.    

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:  Radermacher gave an update on the DNR grant for the proposed toll bridge shelter, and funding.   He noted the topic was on the Park Board agenda.

 

CLOSED SESSION pursuant to §19.85(1)(e), Wis. Stats. to consider deliberating or negotiating the possible purchase of public property for library purposes:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(e) Wis. Stats., to consider deliberating or negotiating the possible purchase of public property for Library purposes.    All ayes (6).  MOTION CARRIED.  Closed session commenced at 7:59 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to reconvene in Open Session at 8:47 p.m.  All ayes (6).  MOTION CARRIED.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to adjourn at 8:47 p.m.  All ayes (6).  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Nancy 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.

 

 Jack D. Breault, Mayor