CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES OF MONDAY, JULY 6, 2009
Meeting
called to order by Mayor Dean Knudson in the Council Chambers of City Hall at
7:00 p.m. Mayor Knudson led 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: Cathy Munkittrick, Devin
Willi, Betty Caruso, Denny Darnold, Chuck Schwartz, Marty Jensen, Mary Yacoub,
Gordon Conard, Hans Lamkin, John Larsen, Mike Wallace, Tom Zeuli, Eric
Christensen, Willy McManus, Jeannette Kunz, Rich O’Connor, Nick and C.R.
Hackworthy, members of the 2009 Peewee Friendship Hockey team, Randy Hanson,
Chris Dike, Janean Dike, and others.
COMMENTS
AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT:
Rich O’Connor spoke on behalf of the Peewee International Friendship
Hockey Tournament and announced that Hudson was chosen as the venue for the
tournament in 2011. He thanked the
current and former Mayors and Council members for their support. He noted that the tournament is a cultural
exchange event and the participants are housed locally, which contributes to
the experience. Mr. O’Connor stated the
event could generate three-quarters to $1 million of revenue locally, through
hotel accommodations, restaurants, and local shops. He also thanked the businesses that have
contributed to the building housing the second sheet of ice at the arena; he
noted without it, the tournament could not be held here. The organization will provide dates and other
information at future meetings.
Willy
McManus, 802 Ninth Street, expressed concern for traffic on Ninth Street
between Vine and St. Croix Streets, and the excessive speeding problems. He recommended speed limit signs be installed
on Ninth Street at either Orange or Pitt Street. Mr. McManus praised the services of the
Police and Fire Departments, but noted the safety concerns for children in the
area.
Mayor
Knudson thanked Mr. McManus for his comments and asked for other comments or
suggestions; none were given.
CONSENT
AGENDA: MOTION by Bernard, second by
O’Malley to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 6/15/09 and
the Special Meeting minutes of 6/29/09.
CLAIMS: Approve the following claims for payment:
|
DESCRIPTION |
PAYABLES |
PAYROLL |
TOTALS |
|
|
100 |
General |
128,097.05 |
163,034.67 |
291,131.72 |
|
290 |
Police
Donations |
185.90 |
0.00 |
185.90 |
|
450 |
Capital
Projects |
109,945.71 |
0.00 |
109,945.71 |
|
610 |
Sewer |
106,918.11 |
10,573.37 |
117,491.48 |
|
620 |
Parking |
861.54 |
1,117.36 |
1,978.90 |
|
630 |
Ambulance |
3,924.64 |
25,334.33 |
29,258.97 |
|
|
Totals |
349,932.95 |
200,059.73 |
549,992.68 |
Request
for change of agent for alcoholic beverage license of La Fiesta Mexicana
restaurant, 1801 Ward Avenue #240, Plaza 94: Approve the appointment of German Felipe
Duran as alcoholic beverage license
agent for La Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant in Plaza 94.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS COMMISSIONS: Place on file the quarterly reports of the
Police Chief and St. Croix E.M.S. Chief, and the semi-annual report of the
Compliance Officer, and the Community Access Board minutes of 6/23/09 and Board
of Review minutes of 6/11/09.
Roll call vote: Ayes (6).
MOTION CARRIED.
Request
by TV & H Properties LLC to extend the date of completion for Heritage
Boulevard street and utility project from June 16, 2009 to August 15, 2009, and
extend the date for the completion of Market Green from July 1, 2009 to July 1,
2010: o’malley recused himself. Denny Darnold shared information regarding
the request for the City to consider an amended date for the completion of the
improvements to Market Green in the commercial area of the Heritage Greens
planned residential development. He
provided details on the request to extend the completion date for Market Green
and the Heritage Boulevard improvements.
He noted that a completion date of August 15, 2009 was possible for the
Heritage Boulevard project. He also
stated that if not finished by that date, the City could draw upon the letter
of credit.
Additional information was
shared regarding the Market Green project.
He noted it would be a private park and no association was in place to
pay for the maintenance cost of the improvements, once they are installed. Mr. Darnold stated that he had assurances
from the bank that the letter of credit could be extended, but not longer than
one year.
Mr. Darnold proposed four
possible options for Council consideration, including: (1) immediately pulling
the letter of credit for Market Green and hold the funds; (2) Approve the Plan
Commission recommendations from the June 4, 2009 meeting that require the
improvements be done by September 30, 2009, including Heirloom street
improvements. He noted he disagreed with
that recommendation regarding the Heirloom street improvements. (3) Accept the
proposal from TV & H Properties to extend the improvements for Market Green
until the commercial venture has an occupancy permit issued and the
improvements have to be in place by that time.
(4) He recommended that the City hold security funds, with the bank
extending the letter of credit for one year.
Mr. Darnold noted that the
residential homeowner’s association was not part of the commercial association
involved with the Market Green project, and that TV & H representatives
were present to answer any questions.
MOTION by Morrissette, to
accept Mr. Darnold’s recommendation to allow the bank to extend the letter of
credit for one year and extend the time period for completion to July 1, 2010,
and also to review the progress of the project with the option to draw upon the
letter of credit, if needed. Mayor
Knudson called for a second three times; none was given. MOTION FAILED for lack of a second.
MOTION by Brokaw, to accept
the recommendation of the Plan Commission to extend the date for completion of
the Market Green improvements from 7/1/09 to 9/15/09. Mayor Knudson requested additional
information before a motion is presented.
MOTION WITHDRAWN by Brokaw.
Additional discussion was
held regarding the Heirloom Street improvements, the planned residential
neighborhood, maintaining a level of trust, and acknowledging that completion
of the development is slow due to the current economic conditions. Accountability to the residents of the
neighborhood was highlighted. Mr.
Darnold reviewed the progress on the Heritage Boulevard improvements project
and the desire to hold the letter of credit as an element of control, but also
to acknowledge the need for flexibility.
Brokaw expressed concern for residents of the development. Additional discussion was held regarding
financial constraints, the ability to complete the improvements by the original
date, and having realistic expectations.
MOTION by Bernard, second by
Wyland, to extend the deadline for completion of the Heritage Boulevard
improvements to August 15, 2009. Ayes
(5), MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION by Morrissette, second by Burchill, to
approve option number 4 as presented by Mr. Darnold, to allow an extension date
for completion of the Market Green improvements to July 1, 2010, with the
condition that the City control the letter of credit in a separate account,
with the right to draw from it, with the letter of credit extended by the bank
up to October 28, 2010, and that a 60-day notification be given to the City by
the bank prior to its expiration. City
Attorney Munkittrick advised the need for a written notice from the bank
regarding authorization of the extended letter of credit, and documentation
that the City could call in the letter of credit if the deadline is not
met. Mr. Darnold requested permission to
pursue getting the letter of credit turned over to the City prior to July 1,
2010.
Wyland suggested an
amendment to the motion to include that if the Heirloom development was
completed earlier, that the park also be completed earlier. Discussion was held regarding the possible
amendment to the motion. Bonestroo
Engineer Chuck Schwartz advised that the best case scenario would probably be
completion by July 1, 2010. The motion
amendment was not accepted. Brokaw
expressed concern regarding the residents and the commitments made to
them. The question was called: Ayes (4); Brokaw voted no. MOTION CARRIED. C.R. Hackworthy offered his thanks for the
Council support and noted the hard work being done on the project and their
desire to complete the park. He noted
the progress and pointed out the improvements that have been finished.
Applications for Operator’s Licenses: morrissette recused himself. Mayor Knudson noted that the Finance Committee recommended
approval. MOTION by Wyland, second by Bernard, to approve the issuance
of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 7/7/09 to 6/30/11 to:
Jennifer
E. Baribeau 134 S. Main St. Apt. 23 Woodville, WI
Mauricio
Bustos 73 Cimarron Lake Elmo, MN
Thomas
L. Christianson 409 Second Street Hudson, WI
Michaelann
M. Gillis 712 W. 32nd
Street Minneapolis, MN
Mathew
P. Hansen 2472C Cobble Hill
Alcove Woodbury, MN
Nathan
T. Kovatch 345 Cove Road Hudson, WI
Angela
L. Larson 821 E. Cascade River Falls, WI
Kelli
M. Moore 510 Cedar Drive N. Hudson, WI
Amanda
J. Riley 2109 Vining Drive Woodbury, MN
Elizabeth
A. Schadt 2231 100th
Street Somerset, WI
Jevon
J. Schoeck 825 Fox tree Lane N. Hudson, WI
Tara
L. Schroeder 3085 Greenbrier
Street Little Canada, MN
Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.
Review
drafts of job descriptions for Building Inspector/Assistant Zoning Inspector
position: Mayor Knudson noted that the
Finance Committee recommended minor changes to the draft of the job
description. Administrator Devin Willi
noted the change to the last sentence (in the third paragraph on page 1) to be
“Two years experience as a certified building inspector in
Wisconsin.” MOTION by Wyland, second by
O’Malley, to approve the July 6, 2009 draft of the job description for the
Building Inspector/Assistant Zoning Administrator position. Ayes (6), MOTION
CARRIED. Mayor Knudson noted the item
would return to the Council at a future meeting regarding personnel to fill the
position.
Review
and approve job descriptions for St. Croix E.M.S. Rescue Administrator and Health
and Safety Officer positions: St. Croix
E.M.S. Chief Eric Christensen presented information regarding the proposed
changes to the job descriptions, and recommended they be made for more
efficient operations. He noted that
Rescue Administrator was a separate part of the operations, and the Health and
Safety Officer was needed for better record-keeping management. He stated that the Ropes Coordinator duties
would be assigned to the Rescue Administrator’s position. Chief Christensen also reported that the
Health and Safety Officer position would be posted, and that the changes to the
job descriptions would not involve any pay increases.
MOTION by Wyland, second by Bernard, to
approve the job descriptions for the St. Croix E.M.S. Rescue Administrator and
Health and Safety Officer positions, as submitted. The requirement of one year’s experience with
St. Croix E.M.S. and Rescue was reviewed and explained. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.
Review
bids and consider awarding contract for 2009 Street Improvements Project: Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz explained the 2009
Street Improvements project and provided details on the bids that were
received. He stated that the apparent
low bidder was Scott Construction, and it included two alternate bids. Mr. Schwartz noted that City staff and the
engineers recommended awarding the project to the low bidder, using alternate
number 1, natural stone seal coat aggregate, for a total of $267,422.07. Additional information was shared regarding
the estimated cost of the project and the engineering fees, noting that the
project costs were less than estimated.
Discussion was held
regarding capital projects included in the budget, and the proposed Stageline
Road and Coulee Road projects.
Information was provided on the methods used to determine which projects
should be done, and their budget impact.
MOTION by Burchill, second by O’Malley, to accept and award the 2009
Street Maintenance Project to Scott Construction Inc., Lake Delton, WI, using
Alternate Number 1, for a total cost of $267,422.07. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.
UPDATE ON PROJECTS: Engineer Chuck Schwartz provided information
on the 11th Street Improvements Project and noted that bids would be
opened on July 16, 2009 and would be on the agenda for consideration at the
July 20th meeting. He also
gave an update on the Carmichael Road Mill and Overlay Project and reported
that evening mill and overlay work was set to begin Monday night, July 6th. Milling of Carmichael Road south of Crest
View Drive was scheduled to begin July 9th. Updates on the project would be available on
the City’s webpage.
Wyland requested an update on the status of the Space Needs
Study. Police Chief Jensen stated that
he expected a report by July 8th or 9th and copies would be provided.
Consider amending
Municipal Code Ch. 145-2-B.2.b re: beer license quota Ordinance No. 9-09: It was noted that the first reading of the ordinance
was held on June 15, 2009. Information
was shared regarding the City’s current quota and that the State of Wisconsin
does not regulate the number of Class B beer licenses. Mayor Knudson stated that incremental changes
to the City’s quota can be adopted as needed.
Discussion was held regarding the need for more availability.
MOTION by O’Malley, second by Brokaw, to adopt the
following:
ORDINANCE NO. 9-09
AMEND MUNICIPAL CODE CH. 145-2-B.2.B
RE: BEER LICENSE QUOTA
(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)
All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.
Consider amending Municipal Code, Ch. 132 re: Fireworks
– Ordinance No. 8-09: It was reported that the first
reading was held June 15, 2009.
Discussion was held on recent changes to State law. Attorney Munkittrick noted that a summary of
the changes would be available soon.
Enforcement was discussed. Police
Chief Jensen expressed concern for businesses that are issued permits to sell
legal fireworks, but not illegal fireworks.
He stated that the ordinance change offered the ability for better
enforcement.
MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard, to adopt the
following:
ORDINANCE NO. 8-09
AMEND MUNICIPAL CODE CH. 132 RE:
FIREWORKS
(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)
Discussion was held regarding changes to State law
and enforcement in the City, as well as the possibility of more committee work for
additional changes at a future date.
Ayes (5); Morrissette voted no.
MOTION CARRIED.
Special
Assessments for Eleventh Street Improvements Project – Preliminary Resolution
No. 10-09. MOTION by O’Malley, second
by Bernard, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 10-09. Roll call vote, Ayes (6), MOTION
CARRIED. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard,
to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION NO. 10-09
PRELIMINARY RESOLUTION RE: SPECIAL
ASSESSMENTS FOR
ELEVENTH STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)
All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR
FUTURE AGENDAS: Council members congratulated the Hudson
Booster Club organization for a successful celebration and fireworks show.
reconvene
in Open Session for POSSIBLE ACTION on notice of claim from Lifeline Systems, Inc.
d/b/a LifeQuest – Resolution No. 11-09: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to reconvene into Open
Session. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED at
8:58 p.m.
MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to suspend the
rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 11-09.
Roll call vote, Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to adopt the
following:
RESOLUTION NO. 11-09
DISALLOWANCE OF CLAIM FROM LIFELINE
SYSTEMS INC.
D/B/A LIFEQUEST
(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)
All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.
ADJOURN: MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley to
adjourn at 8:59 p.m. All ayes, MOTION
CARRIED.
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 set forth therein.
Dean Knudson, Mayor