SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL

AND PLAN COMMISSION

CITY OF HUDSON

July 20, 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, Paul Radermacher, Lee Wyland, and Carah Koch; Plan Commission members Bob Bieraugel, Fred Yoerg, Don Mailloux, and Don Gilbert.

ABSENT: Alderpersons Dennis O’Connell and Scot O’Malley and Public Utility Commission President Tim Caruso were excused.

OTHERS PRESENT: City Administrator Devin Willi and Community Development Director Dennis Darnold.

REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF COMPLETED RESIDENT AND BUSINESS SURVEYS FOR THE CITY’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Mayor Breault thanked Mr. Darnold for organizing the report results provided by the UW-River Falls Survey Research Center. Mr. Darnold provided a spreadsheet indicating the categories that were part of the residential and business surveys. The spreadsheet also included the percentage of responses in each category as related to the priority of concern by the citizens.

Mr. Darnold stated that the purpose of the meeting and the handouts was to assist Council and Committees with the issues, concerns, and requests of the citizens that were compiled from the Resident and Business surveys related to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. He noted that the number one concern in the Quality of Life category was property taxes. Mayor Breault asked those present to share their opinions and concerns on this topic and also asked for suggestions for improvement. Lengthy discussion was held. Other areas concerning Quality of Life were also reviewed and discussed.

In the category of Natural Resources, Mr. Darnold pointed out that statistics indicate the importance placed by the citizens on maintaining the natural resources in the area. Discussion included concerns for the safety and preservation of the water table and Wastewater Treatment Plant issues. Also discussed were the cultural resources of the area including the importance of scenic views and maintaining the City’s small-town character.

Mr. Darnold stated that he and the Plan Commission would be taking a closer look at the amount and need for various types of housing and the number of housing units in the City.

In the area of growth management, the capacity of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and consideration of annexations were discussed. Traffic congestion in certain areas was also noted. Mayor Breault stated that there might be a need to form more joint committees with area municipalities to consider topics such as groundwater preservation, parks, and ball fields. He stressed the importance of working together.

Alderperson Morrissette left the meeting at approximately 7:55 p.m.

Transportation issues included the construction of sidewalks and pathways. Roundabout intersections and public transportation needs were also highlighted.

The topics of Community Facilities and Economic Development were noted. Mr. Darnold highlighted the summary for review of the Business Survey results. The information was broken down into sections including the industrial area, the downtown business area, and the “hill” business district. The study included land use growth management, transportation issues, and economic development issues. Traffic congestion and parking situations were also highlighted.

Mr. Darnold stated that a consultant would be hired for further advice on proceeding with the Comprehensive Plan. He also welcomed public participation in the process.

Mayor Breault again thanked Mr. Darnold for the summary he provided and stated he did a great job of compiling the information for the presentation.

MOTION by Radermacher, second by Wyland, to adjourn the meeting. All ayes (3), MOTION CARRIED. Meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.

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