CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF MONDAY, JULY 19, 2004 – 7:00 P.M.

 

Meeting called to order by Mayor Jack Breault in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:00 p.m. 

 

PRESENT:  Mayor Breault, Alderpersons Mike Laatsch, Dennis O’Connell, Roger Riedel, Scot O’Malley, and Carah Koch.

 

     ABSENT:  Alderperson Paul Radermacher.

 

OTHERS PRESENT: Catherine Munkittrick, Devin Willi, Dennis Postler, Randy Hanson, Dennis Darnold, David Gray, Betty Caruso, Jim Seal, Gordon Conard, Jim Meffert, Jim Zeller, Jim Frye, and others.

   

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT:  Jim Seal, a resident in Red Cedar Canyon, exhibited copies of the Developer’s Agreement with Hans Hagen.  He reported that the Red Cedar Canyon development has not been adhering to the Agreement and lots are very messy, and the streets are filled with dust.  He referenced different materials that were being dumped on several of the empty lots and exhibited photographs of the area.  Mr. Seal also expressed concern regarding reseeding that is required and the City’s part in holding the developer accountable to the Agreement.  Mayor Breault stated that he would turn the matters over to City Staff, who would determine what action would be required.

 

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

 

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes and Closed Session minutes of 7/6/04.

 

     CLAIMS:  Approve the following claims for payment:

 

 

 FUND

DESCRIPTION

  PAYABLES

  PAYROLL

  TOTALS

100

General

$132,086.75

   $125,510.65

$257,597.40

230

Wisc DVL/RVL

4,105.14

          0.00

4,105.14

410

Tax Increment Financing

1,111.40

0.00

1,111.40

450

Capital Projects

3,975.40

0.00

3,975.40

610

Sewer

672.41

      6,362.26

7,034.67

620

Parking Utility

468.78

      1,575.62

2,044.40

630

Ambulance

13,657.20

     12,653.83

26,311.03

870

SCBP

0.14

          0.00

0.14

 

        Totals

$156,077.22

    $146,102.36

$302,179.58

 

 

     Applications for Operator’s Licenses:  Approve the issuance of Regular Operator's Licenses for the period 7/20/04 to 6/30/06 to:

 

 

Karey A. Mesecher               152 Avignon Court          Woodbury, MN

Linda Lee Gardner               417 Orange Street          Hudson, WI

Theresa Christine McCauley      1060 Sunset Drive          New Richmond, WI

Heith Garth Pribble             1505 Ward Ave., Apt. 6     Hudson, WI

Joseph Arthur Schmahl           P.O. Box 222               River Falls, WI

Kimberly Joy Macynski           8487 Timberwood Road       Woodbury, MN

 

            Finance Officer’s Monthly Report:  To place on file the Finance Officer’s monthly report through 6/30/04.

 

     Application of St. Patrick’s Church for Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer and wine at the annual Fall Fest, 1500 Vine Street, September 17-19, 2004:  Approve the issuance of a Temporary Class  “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to St. Patrick’s Church to sell beer and wine at their annual Fall Fest to be held at 1500 Vine Street, September 17-19, 2004.

 

Request of Dean Hanson (Stone Creek Development) to vacate a portion of an utility installation and maintenance easement within Lot 2, CSM, Volume 14, Page 3880, St. Croix County:  Approve directing the City Attorney to prepare a Quit Claim Deed to vacate the easterly 341.43 feet of the utility installation and maintenance easement per Document 480854, Volume 941, Page 146, St. Croix County Register of Deeds, and as shown within Lot 2, CSM, Volume 14, Page 3880; and the east 341.43 feet of the 15 feet of easement immediately south of part of Lot 3 and Lot 1, CSM, Volume 5, Page 1351.

                                                                                                                                                                                                 

     REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:  To place on file the quarterly reports of the Parks Superintendent, Fire Chief, Finance Officer, and Building Inspector, and the Public Utility Commission minutes of 7/13/04.

 

Roll call vote, Ayes 5 to 0, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner:  MOTION by Laatsch, second by O’Connell, to approve scheduling the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner for various members of City boards, committees and commissions and their spouse or significant other on Thursday, August 19th at the Hudson Golf Club, with the menu of the Country Style Chicken and Rib Buffet at $16.95 plus 15% gratuity, plus $100 for table decorations/favors.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Bids received for First Street Parking – Phase 1 Project:  dennis Postler reported that the low bid was submitted by Pember Companies, Inc. in the amount of $242,955.55.  In comparison to the engineer’s original estimate, he noted that the bid item with the largest discrepancy was the railing/fencing on top of the retaining wall, where the bids varied from $20 to $102.25 per  linear foot.  Other items that contributed to higher than expected bids were for bituminous and concrete-related products.  Mr. Postler reported that in discussions at the Finance Committee meeting, he had agreed that BRA would charge their fee at 25% based on the original estimate of $216,610.00. 

 

     MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to accept the bid of Pember Companies, Inc. in the amount of $242,955.55 for Phase 1 of the First Street Parking Project.  BRA was thanked for curtailing their engineering fees on the project.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Carmichael Road/Hanley Road Traffic Signal Improvements Project bids:  Alderperson Scot O’Malley, Chairperson of the Public Works Committee, stated that the lowest bid was submitted by Polyphase Electric, Inc. at $88,620.95 and was considerably less than the original engineer’s estimate.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to accept the bid of Polyphase Electric, Inc. in the amount of $88,620.95 for the Carmichael Road/Hanley Road Traffic Signal Improvements Project.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

2004 Mill and Overlay project bids:  motion by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to accept the bid of Tower Asphalt, Inc. in the amount of $96,211.95 for the 2004 Mill and Overlay Project.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Carmichael Road & Crest View Drive Triple left turn lane improvements:  o’malley reported that because a specially designed sign base, mast and arm would be needed to handle the suggested signage, review of the quotes must be delayed until more information is obtained.  Jim Eulberg, Public Works Superintendent/Engineer, offered a temporary alternative, noting that at Gateway Boulevard a right-turn, right out could be installed on both sides as a temporary fix while seeking cost estimates for the sign base, mast and arm.  Discussion will continue at the next Public Works Committee meeting.  O’Malley noted that they will provide an answer as soon as possible.

 

2004 Sidewalk Replacement Program:  O’Malley noted that at the Public Works Committee meeting, discussion was held regarding the inequity of the system the City has been using in charging the homeowners for their portion of the sidewalk replacement costs and the work performed by the City crew.  In the past, none of the costs incurred by the City were charged to the project.  Only the contractor’s costs, in part, were assessed to the homeowners.  He noted that the total of the City’s costs would be charged to the homeowners per the appropriate assessment.   This was provided for information only.

 

Color options for truncated domes for ADA compliance pedestrian ramps:  O’Malley reported that the truncated domes allow the visually impaired to detect the pedestrian ramps at street crossings.  He explained while that the City had earlier chosen the color Quarry Red for the concrete pavers to be used, they have since learned that the delivery time would be five weeks.  He noted that a similar colored paver, Red 15, could be purchased in Wausau, WI and received within one week. 

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to approve changing the color of the concrete pavers for the truncated domes for the ADA pedestrian ramps to Red 15.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Municipal Building Janitor position:  o’malley noted that the employee previously in the part-time janitor position had transferred to a full-time street position and his 30-day trial period would end on July 28th.  He stated that they would proceed with posting for the part-time position, and if a union employees does not post, they would advertise to the public during the weeks of August 2nd and August 9th, with interviews anticipated for the week of August 16th.  The janitor’s job entails a 30-hour workweek and interested applicants could apply after July 31st.  This was for information only.

 

 

            Parking Lane on Grandview Drive:  Alderperson Dennis O’Connell, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, reported that the Committee had recommended denial of the Stonepine Overall Association’s request for a parking lane/safety buffer on the west side of Grandview Drive.  He also noted that Chief Trende had recommended placing “No Parking” signs on the west side of the street.  MOTION by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to deny the original request for a parking lane on the west side of Grandview Drive.  Discussion followed regarding the length of parking spaces.  Ayes – (4); Noes – (1) Koch – MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Request for four-way stop sign at Sixth and St. Croix Streets:  o’connell explained that the Trinity School Advisory Board had requested that a “No Parking/School Buss Loading Zone” be established on the west side of the 1200 block of Sixth Street, and that four-way stop signs be placed at the Sixth and St. Croix Street intersection.  He stated that the Public Safety Committee had recommended denying the request.  MOTION by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to direct the Public Works Department to install yellow crosswalk markings on Sixth and St. Croix Street and place signage on Sixth Street restricting parking during school hours, and to request Trinity School to remind parents that there is no parking on St. Croix Street, and recommend that Trinity School implement crossing guards.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

     CLARIFICATION OF COUNCIL DIRECTION RE: Farmer’s Market:  at their meeting of July 14th, the Public Safety Committee had recommended that the previous Council direction given in 2003 for Farmers Market Direct Seller application fees should follow through in 2004, but Chapter 124, as written, should be enforced in 2005.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to continue with the verbal Council direction given in 2003 to allow the Farmer’s Market group to pay a single $30 Direct Seller’s fee in 2004, and in the year 2005 to enforce the ordinances (Chapter 124) as written, requiring all vendors (whether individuals or part of the Farmers Market group) to pay the $30 Direct Seller’s fee.  It was also noted that in addition to Police Department costs for background checks that are not being recovered this year, there are also other issues regarding costs incurred by the Public Works Department.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Request for Yield sign on Diamond Drive at White Pine Road:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Riedel, approve the installation of a “Yield” sign at the T intersection of Diamond Drive and White Pine Road.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Chamber of Commerce – Autumn Taste Walk Event:  motion by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to approve the Chamber of Commerce Autumn Taste Walk event to be held Saturday, September 18, 2004 on Locust Street.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Future recruitment of Volunteer Firefighters:  fire Chief Jim Frye noted that the purpose of the Department was to assure that the City could continue providing volunteer fire service.  One vehicle for recruitment could be the Boy Scouts of America Explorer Program.  MOTION by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to approve the Hudson Fire Department’s use of an Explorer Program that incorporates youth from ages 14 to 21 to assist in specific areas such as cleaning up after fires, washing vehicles, cleaning the fire station, etc. in order to develop an interest in the future recruitment of volunteer fire fighters.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

UPDATE ON PROJECTS:  Dennis Postler reviewed his written report.  No questions were asked.

 

     Petition for annexation of 12.3 acres north of Stageline Road and Old Hwy. 35 intersection (Old Highway 35 right-of-way), DaMe Properties, Inc; Ordinance No. 8-04:   Mayor Breault reported that the annexation of the 12.3 acres was first considered at the June 21st Council meeting, and a first reading of Ordinance 8-04 was conducted.

 

     Dennis Darnold reported that in discussions with Jim Meffert, Mr. Meffert had stated that he and Mr. Bauer were agreeable to paying the property tax payments to the Town of Hudson for the next five years, which is now required under Tax Incremental District laws for parcels annexed to other municipalities.  He stated that there were some questions regarding the Impact Fees, timing, zoning, etc. and addressed other information regarding the provision of sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and water, noting that those assessments needed to be paid.  Mr. Darnold further stated that the present Developer Agreements prepared by the City require that two-thirds of the fees be paid up front, and suggested changing the Agreement to conform with the different assessments because of differences that would occur with this particular parcel.

 

     MOTION by O’Connell, second by Koch, to deny the petition for annexation of 12.3 acres north of Stageline Road, as indicated in Ordinance No. 8-04.  Discussion was held regarding a possible amendment to the motion, noting that the property owners own the land and are not developers.  O’Malley reported that several large developers had reported to him that the developers usually like to know whether the City will agree to annex the property, before incurring any expenses regarding plans.  O’Malley requested that the MOTION be AMENDED to indicate that the City was not against the annexation but would provide a letter that the Council prefers to know what the development would be.  Discussion followed regarding Council’s concern for the unknown development of the property, if annexed.  Mayor Breault noted that of the 12.3 acres, there was approximately only seven acres net that could be developed, and he reminded Council members that the City has control for what development takes place on property within the City. 

 

     Discussion on the City’s Comprehensive Plan and its application to present-day situations brought forth varying opinions.  Jim Zeller was requested to present additional information regarding the financial impact for the City regarding real estate taxes, Room Tax revenues, Impact Fees, etc., if the property was annexed and developed.  Mr. Zeller exhibited a number of different scenarios based on the types of development that could possibly be considered for the property.  He also summarized that there were substantial costs to developers in bringing a business to any community.

 

     Discussion returned to the collection of Impact Fees.  Dennis Darnold summarized that the City basically attempts to obtain the fees as early as possible.  Jim Meffert offered that the annexation of the 12.3 acres was very important to the development of the 20-acre parcel, since three developers had indicated to him that if the annexation did not occur, they would not be submitting proposals.

 

     Discussion then turned to whether there was more or less control if a property was annexed or not.  Dennis Darnold reminded that Council would have the same control with this property as they would with any other development.

 

     City Attorney Catherine Munkittrick noted that if they choose to vote on the original motion, Council members would need to provide reasons for denial of the annexation within the MOTION.  MOTION AMENDED by O’Connell and Koch to include the following reasons for denial of the annexation:

1.               Council wished to know what type of development would occur, prior

to annexation of the property.

 

2.               Some Council members prefer that the property would be addressed

within the Comprehensive Plan.

 

Vote:  Ayes, (3) O’Malley, Koch and O’Connell;  Noes: (2) Laatsch and Riedel.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Appointment to Hudson Housing Authority:  mayor Breault announced his reappointment of Greg Timmerman to another term as a member of the Hudson Housing Authority.  MOTION by Koch, second by O’Malley, to confirm Mayor Breault’s reappointment of Greg Timmerman to another five-year term on the Hudson Housing Authority through July of 2009.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:   O’Malley stated that the Public Works Committee would be looking at the costs for repairs to several items, including crosswalks.

 

Administrator Devin Willi reported that he anticipated that within the annual tax ranking, the City of Hudson would be closer to the bottom of the list this year than in previous years.  He also reported that he has been checking into quotes for health insurance, noting that it is difficult to obtain coverage that mirrors the current coverage required by the union contracts.

 

MOTION by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to adjourn the meeting.  Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.  MOTION CARRIED. 

 

Patricia A. Dotseth, 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