city of hudson common council

meeting minutes of monday, july 18, 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, Paul Radermacher, Roger Riedel, Scot O’Malley and Carah Koch. 

 

ABSENT:  Alderperson Dennis O’Connell.

 

OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Dennis Darnold, Catherine Munkittrick, Dennis Postler, Angela Popenhagen, Jim Eulberg, Gordon Conard, Brian Zeller,  David Robson, Todd Zwiefelhofer, Randy Hanson, Jeryn Waldera, Shelly Waldera, Jerome Waldera, Kristine Stensgaard, Anna Gushue, Jamie Schick, Robin Schick, Ellen Topitzhofer, Dan Stensgaard, Randy Stensgaard, Cindy Stensgaard, Anastasia Shartin, and others.

 

     Mayor Breault noted that Girl Scout Jeryn Waldera was celebrating her birthday.  He also presented a $1,500 check to Bernie McSorley for the color guard uniform fund of the VFW/American Legion.

 

     COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: None.

 

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 7/5/05.

     Claims:   Approve the following claims for payment:

 

Fund

Description

payables

  payroll

Totals

100

General

97,190.99

128,560.59

225,751.58

250

Revolving Loan Fund-SCBP

5,750.00

0.00

5,750.00

230

Wisc DVL/RVL

3,705.00

0.00

3,705.00

231

SCBP-RVL Loan

77,925.00

0.00

77,925.00

350

Special Assessments

13,795.19

0.00

13,795.19

450

Capital Projects

674,014.12

0.00

674,014.12

610

Sewer

67,542.02

9,989.14

77,531.16

620

Parking Utility

50.04

900.36

950.40

630

Ambulance

3,405.55

6,401.39

9,806.94

 

Total

$943,377.91

$145,851.48

$1,089,229.39

 

 

 

  Application for Operator’s License:  Approve the issuance of a Regular Operator’s License for the period 7/19/05 to 6/30/07 to:

 

Jessica Jeanette Koppy     1401 Namekagon St. #312    Hudson, WI

Brandon James Clark        374 Paquin Drive                Somerset, WI

 

     St. Croix E.M.S. write-offs:  Approve the St. Croix E.M.S. write-offs in the amount of $3,786.16, as recommended by LifeQuest, following Phase III of their collection procedures.

 

Request for stop sign on Monetary Boulevard at Hanley Road:  Approve the installation of a stop sign on Monetary Boulevard at Hanley Road.

 

 Request for stop sign on Starlight Lane at Hanley Road:  Approve the installation of a stop sign on Starlight Lane at Hanley Road.

 

Girls Night Out request for fall bike ride event:  Approve the bike touring event to be held Friday, September 9th and Saturday, September 10th and authorize the Girls Night Out Committee to use the east half of the North Parking Lot from 6:00 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, September 10, 2005, and.

 

Request for fence on property line at 1101 Second Street:  Deny the Fence Permit Request of Robert Simmons to construct a fence at 1031 Second Street.

 

St. Patrick’s Church request for Fall Fest 5K Run and 1-mile run for children:  Approve the St. Patrick’s Fall Fest 5K Run and Kids 1-mile run events to be held Saturday, September 17, 2005, and if the High School does not allow the adult run to begin at the High School Parking lot, the events will begin and end at St. Patrick’s Church parking lot, 1500 Vine Street,

 

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:  To place on file the Quarterly Reports of the Wastewater Superintendent and Fire Chief, the Public Utility Commission minutes of 7/12/05, St. Croix E.M.S. Commission minutes of 7/11/05, and the Board of Zoning Appeals minutes of 5/3/05 and 6/6/05.

 

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

 

Status report on Eagle Scout park project:   Boy Scout Dan Stensgaard presented his proposal for his Eagle Scout project of a sign for Weitkamp Park that would have the park rules on one side and a picture of Mr. Weitkamp on the other side.  He stated that work should begin some time after July 30th, as soon as the design and the supplies are in order.  Mayor Breault expressed thanks and congratulated Mr. Stensgaard on his project.

 

Update on Girl Scout picnic shelter project:  Girl Scouts from Troop 221 announced their plan to earn a Gold Award by building a picnic shelter at Weitkamp Park.  They stated they were interested in working on a unique project that would be considered more challenging than normal.  Mayor Breault thanked them for their involvement in the community and congratulated them on their efforts.

 

Proposal for park Bench Project:   anastasia Shartin, Visual Arts Director for the Phipps Center of the Arts, stated that the Bench Project was in partnership with the St. Croix Valley Community Foundation.  It was coordinated to seek active participation from local groups to design, create, locate and care for a unique bench in the community.  Mayor Breault stated that he believed this was a great project, and noted that the Park Board would be reviewing the plans when they are submitted by the groups.  O’Malley requested that the plans be posted on the City’s website.

 

Final Development Plans for Elliot Architects office development at 86 Coulee Road:  Dennis Darnold stated that the Plan Commission recommended approval of the plans for the new office facility at 86 Coulee Road.  Todd Zwiefelhofer shared a model of the proposed building and explained the design and materials to be used.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to approve the final development plans for the Elliot Anderson office facility at 86 Coulee Road, with the condition that the plans be revised per the City Engineer’s comments of July 6, 2005, and that the trees adjacent to Coulee Road be changed to understory trees, due to the proximity of the overhead power lines, and that the screening devices proposed between the parking lot and street be reviewed by and approved by the City Public Works Superintendent/Engineer.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Application of Double Diamond Ventures, Inc., for Class B Beer and Class B Liquor license d/b/a Riversides, 500 First Street, Hudson, WI:  mayor Breault stated that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the issuance of the liquor license that is currently held by Riversides to double Diamond Ventures, Inc.  The license change would take place after the sale of the property on July 26, 2005.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve the issuance of a Class B Beer and Class B liquor license to Double Diamond Ventures, Inc., d/b/a Riversides at 500 First Street, upon surrender of the license currently held by Riversides of Hudson Inc. (Mark R. Hanson), for the period of July 26, 2005 to June 30, 2006.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

     TREASURER’S REPORT:  Finance Officer Betty Caruso presented a detailed report outlining the financial status of the City’s funds through June 30th.  She noted that 68% of revenues have been collected, and the Contingency Fund has been spent.  Ms. Caruso reported that the insurance expenses have exceeded the budget by approximately $14,000.

 

     Regarding investments, Ms. Caruso noted that a large amount is in federal step-up securities, with interest in the 3% to 4% range.  Accomplishments included an increase in the City’s bond rating status, and the collection of $268,806 in deferred assessments due to annexations.  The City also used excess funds to pay off $2,555,000 of higher interest rate bonds, and used $640,000 of Impact Fees to pay off related debt prior to maturity, saving $53,760 in interest.  In addition, Ms. Caruso reported that the 2004 Audit should be completed in September.

 

     MOTION by Radermacher, second by Laatsch, to accept and place on file the Finance Officer’s report for the period 1/1/05 through 6/30/05.  O’Malley thanked Ms. Caruso and complimented her for her efforts on the report.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider bids submitted for Street Light Replacement Project:  o’malley stated that two bids were received for the street light replacement project.  It was noted that the existing light poles have interior corrosion problems.  Jim Eulberg explained that stainless steel poles would last longer, but in the downtown area the poles would be painted to conform with the other decorative light poles.  He noted that the breakaway bases make the poles easier to replace, if needed, and would be less costly.  The Public Works Committee recommended accepting the bid of United Electric, with a $200 per pole deduct for 58 poles that would not be painted, as part of Bid Option A.  This would amount to $11,600 less than the total bid of $169,244.00.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by Riedel, to accept the bid of United Electric, 601 Lakeview Point, New Brighton, MN in the amount of $169,244.00, [less $11,600 for poles without paint in Option A].  During discussion, Dennis Darnold asked whether the developers should also be following these standard specifications.  Mayor Breault agreed these specifications should be placed into the City’s project requirements.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider bids submitted for Carmichael Road Walk Path Project:  Jim Eulberg reviewed the project, stating that one bid was received from Monarch Paving.  It was noted that a meeting would be scheduled with the Hudson School District to review the proposed assessments for the pathway that would run along the east side of Carmichael Road adjacent to the school property.  Mayor Breault questioned whether the School could be assessed an amount to help pay for the project.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Koch, to accept the bid of Monarch Paving Company in the amount of $26,820.80 for the Carmichael Road Bituminous Walking Path Project.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED. 

 

Willow River Lower Power Dam Rehabilitation:  Dennis Postler provided information regarding the erosion that has occurred on the upper 25 feet of the embankment on the St. Croix River side of the Lake Mallalieu Dam.   He stated that the lower portion of the bank has riprap and is in good condition.  The upper 25 feet had been restored in 1998 with a turf surface, and this area now needs to have riprap to prevent future erosion.  Mr. Postler stated that this project is in the budget; (the City’s portion of the $60,000 project would be $12,000.) MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to approve the $60,000 expense for the repair of the Willow River Lower Power Dam.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Stormwater Management – Lake Mallalieu Association:  o’Malley reported to the Council on the Lake Mallalieu Association’s concern for stormwater discharge into Lake Mallalieu.  He explained that the Association gave an informed presentation to the Public Works Committee, and they provided details about how the City of River Falls handles similar situations.  He stated that working with the DNR, the Village of North Hudson, and the Town of Hudson would be helpful in getting the situation resolved.  He stated that they hope to obtain a grant from the DNR by the spring of 2006.  O’Malley explained that it is necessary to find the source of the problem and get it resolved as soon as possible.  Jim Eulberg stated that the size of the population would affect the process that needs to be followed.

 

2004 Wastewater Treatment Plant Compliance Maintenance Report - Resolution No. 9-05:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 9-05.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to accept the 2004 Compliance Maintenance Annual Report of the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Discussion included the excellent grade earned by the Wastewater Treatment Plant; a near-perfect score.  MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to adopt the following:                              

Resolution No. 9-05

Wastewater treatment plant

2004 Compliance Maintenance Report

 

All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Update on Street Numbering/Address Identification Project:  jim Eulberg explained the program that is in place to check street addresses for visibility of the house numbers.  He stated that it is important for police, fire and ambulance departments to be able to locate an address without delaying their response time.  He stated that of 2,000 addresses that have been checked, there are about nine that still need to comply.  Dave Krupich will follow up.

 

Request to hold Autumn Taste Walk Event during proposed Octoberfest event:  riedel announced the request of the Chamber of Commerce to hold their annual Taste Walk on Locust Street between Second and Third Streets from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on a Saturday this fall.  He stated they hoped to schedule the Taste Walk in conjunction with a proposed Octoberfest event.  Riedel noted that the Public Safety Committee recommended approval.  MOTION by Riedel, second by Radermacher, to approve the Taste Walk Event on Locust Street for Saturday, October 1, 2005.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

     update on projects:  dennis Postler reported that construction has started on the M & I Bank facility on the corner of Hanley Road and Carmichael Road.  The Lighthouse at Hudson Pier development has been addressing some of their sidewalk and erosion control issues.  The bituminous pathway at Prairie View Center has been completed.  Mr. Postler noted that the City’s pathway would continue on from that point.  He stated that the Ban Tara development is nearly half finished with the installation of utilities.

 

Final Plat for Ban Tara, 10-lot commercial subdivision south of Stageline Road   and east of Carmichael Road – Ban Tara LLC:  Dennis Darnold explained the final plat for the Ban Tara development.  He stated that the Plan Commission recommended approval.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the final plat of Ban Tara for ten commercial lots east of Carmichael Road and south of Stageline Road as proposed by Ban Tara, LLC, with the following conditions:

1.   Revisions to the final plat per the City Engineer’s comments of 6/23/05.

2.   Restoration of the area at the southeast corner of proposed Lot 7,

With a revised grading plan and landscaping plan to be submitted to the City for approval.

3.   The City Attorney to review the gap discrepancy and forward an

        opinion, prior to execution of the plat.

4.   Developer to choose a new name for Frontage Road, and Center Drive

to extend easterly from the east right-of-way line of Carmichael Road through the plat.

5.   The plat may not be filed until the Development Agreement is

   executed.

Koch stated that she was still not convinced that that the development was in the best interests of the City at this time.  She stated she believed it would increase traffic in an area that is already too congested.  Ayes (4); Koch voted No – MOTION CARRIED.

 

Disallowance of claim of Janet Ehrenreich – Resolution No. 12-05:  motioN by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 12-05.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to approve the following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 12-05

DISALLOWANCE OF PURPORTED CLAIM

OF JANET E. EHRENREICH

 

     Attorney Munkittrick advised the Council that the document received was unclear in the claim against the City.  She stated that no facts with respect to the claim were submitted, and also noted that the City’s insurance company has recommended disallowance.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

     COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MAYOR:  Mayor Breault noted the receipt of thanks from John Potter from the Phipps Center for the Arts, for the City’s participation in the 19th annual performance of the Minnesota Orchestra in Lakefront Park.  He stated that it was a great success.

 

     COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:  o’malley commended Jim Eulberg for his quick action in resolving a boat/trailer incident that recently occurred at the boat launch.  A letter from the boat owner was sent, thanking Mr. Eulberg for his personal attention to the matter.

 

CLOSED SESSION pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats., to discuss evaluation and compensation for Public Works Superintendent/Interim Parks Superintendent; and pursuant to §19.85 (1)(c) and (f), Wis. Stats. for preliminary consideration of a specific personnel matter which if discussed in public would be likely to substantially adversely affect the reputation of a public employee:  motion by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats. to discuss evaluation and compensation for Public Works Superintendent/Interim Parks Superintendent and pursuant to §19.85(1)(c) and (f), Wis. Stats. for preliminary consideration of a specific personnel matter which if discussed in public would be likely to substantially adversely affect the reputation of a public employee.  Roll call vote, all ayes, MOTION CARRIED – 7:56 p.m.

 

Reconvene in Open Session for possible action re: evaluation and compensation for Public Works Superintendent/Interim Parks Superintendent:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to reconvene into open session.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED – 8:20 p.m.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to approve changing the job title to Director of Parks and Public Works, and to increase the salary from $62,500 to $75,000.00.  It was noted that another review would be conducted in six months, and Mr. Eulberg still needs to obtain his Wisconsin Engineer’s license, as discussed during the hiring process.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, 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: