Meeting called to order by Mayor Dean Knudson in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:03 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, Chuck Schwartz, Betty Caruso, Gordon Conard, Denny Darnold, Tom Zeuli, David Gray, Mary Yacoub, Mike Wallace, Eric Atkinson, Randy Hanson, Greg Caruso, and others.

 

     COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT:  Mayor Knudson called for suggestions or comments three times; none were given.

 

     CONSENT AGENDA:  MOTION by Morrissette, second by Wyland to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

 

MINUTES:  Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 7/6/09 and the Closed Session minutes of 5/4/09 and 7/6/09.

 

CLAIMS:  Approve the following claims for payment:

 

FUND

DESCRIPTION

PAYABLES

PAYROLL

TOTALS

100

General

100,692.11

183,638.47

284,330.58

280

Park Donations

115.00

0.00

115.00

450

Capital Projects

36,796.61

0.00

36,796.61

610

Sewer

12,651.92

10,784.55

23,436.47

620

Parking

225.66

937.21

1,162.87

630

Ambulance

5,968.89

8,769.85

14,738.74

860

Tax Agency

138,793.52

0.00

138,793.52

 

Totals

295,243.71

204,130.08

499,373.79

 

Application of William Lethert for Amusement Device Operator’s License d/b/a Mendota Valley Amusement, Maple Grove, MN, and Amusement Device Permits for 12 machines located in Hudson: Approve the issuance of an Amusement Device Operator’s License to William Lethert d/b/a Mendota Valley Amusement, Maple Grove, MN, and Amusement Device permits for the 12 machines located at the Applebee’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Green Mill restaurants in Hudson.  

 

Consider creation of Inactive Fire Department Roster:  Approve the creation of a Veteran Fire Department Roster for experienced, less                              active firefighters.

 

     REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS COMMISSIONS:  Place on file the quarterly reports of the Fire Chief and Building Inspector, and the Public Utility Commission minutes of 7/14/09.

 Roll call vote:  Ayes (6).  MOTION CARRIED.

 

     Applications for Operator’s Licenses:   Mayor Knudson announced that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the Operator’s Licenses, as listed on the issue sheet.  morrissette recused himself. MOTION by Wyland, second by O’Malley, to approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 7/21/09 to 6/30/11 to:

 

 

Scott J. Feit              6642 Falstaff Road              Woodbury, MN

Tranquilino Fuentes        745 Hallstrom Drive             Red Wing, MN

Kristin E. Haertl          359 Baer Drive                  Hudson, WI

Jessica J. Harrington      330 Casperson Drive             Hudson, WI

Robin K. Heskett                2212 Gardenette Dr. S.          White Bear, MN

Erin K. Hunt               178 Summit Ave. Apt. 303        St. Paul, MN

Ian K. Johnson             556 County Rd. UU               Hudson, WI

Elizabeth N. Lambert      670 North End Road              Hudson, WI

Holly Jo Webb              216 S Winter St. #3             River Falls, WI

Danielle E. Weeks          516 Prairie Drive N.            Hudson, WI

 

 

Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

 

MOTION by Wyland, second by Bernard to deny an Operator’s License to Paul Brozek, 1110 Second Street, Hudson, WI, as recommended by Police Chief Jensen and the Finance Committee (based on the history of prior convictions and charges pending for violations of laws regulating alcoholic beverages).  Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Special Event Permit for Gopher to Badger Race event 8/8/09:  Mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the Special Event Permit, with a reduction to $2 million in the amount of required insurance coverage.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to approve the issuance of a Special Event Permit to Mark Bongers/Final Stretch for the Gopher to Badger Race event in Lakefront Park on 8/8/09, with the reduced insurance amount of $2 million.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Finance Officer’s monthly report:  mayor Knudson noted that the Finance Committee recommended placing the monthly report on file.  Wyland pointed out that work was still being done on the ambulance fund to reconcile the account from the former carrier to the new billing agency.  Mayor Knudson noted the cash flow lag during the switch to the new billing company.

 

Review bids and consider awarding contract for 11th Street Improvements    Project:  Mayor Knudson stated the Finance Committee recommended approval of the staff recommendation for the 11th Street Improvements Project.  He explained the low bid from Pember Companies, Inc. in the amount of $416,569.84.  He noted that approval could be contingent on the decision by the Water Commission to proceed with the water system improvements.

 

MOTION by Wyland, second by O’Malley, to accept the bid from Pember Companies in the amount of $416,569.84 for the 11th Street Improvements Project, contingent on Water Commission approval of the water system improvements; if the Commission rejects their portion of the bid, the project would be rebid without the water system improvements and considered for approval at the August 17, 2009 Council meeting.  Attorney Munkittrick advised that the current bids would need to be rejected if the Water Commission decides not to proceed.  Discussion was held regarding concerns for the past performance of Pember Companies, specifically regarding the triple left-turn lane on Crest View Drive.  Mayor Knudson reminded all of the process for not awarding contracts to the lowest bidder.  He stated that he believed Pember Companies wanted a chance to get back in the City’s good favor.  Burchill shared his concerns regarding lack of correspondence from Pember and the extended period of time to complete the triple turn lane project.  Vote taken: Ayes (4); O’Malley and Burchill voted no.  MOTION CARRIED. 

 

Appointment of Building Inspector/Assistant Zoning Inspector:  mayor Knudson reported that the Finance Committee recommended that David Gray be appointed the Building Inspector/Assistant Zoning Inspector with a salary of $58,000 a year.  MOTION by Wyland, second by O’Malley, to approve the appointment of David Gray as Building Inspector/Assistant Zoning Inspector (effective August 1, 2009) at the recommended wage.  Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

     UPDATE ON PROJECTS:  Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz provided an update report, noting the status of the Carmichael Road Mill and Overlay Project; he stated all paving should be complete by the end of the week.  He also noted that a pre-construction meeting would be held the week of July 27th for the 2009 Road Improvements Project; the crack routing, sealing and flex patching would begin soon.

 

     Mr. Schwartz also called attention to the water main extension being installed on Tower Road and the curb and gutter work on Heritage Boulevard. Mayor Knudson pointed out that the night work schedule for the Carmichael Road Project worked well to help reduce traffic congestion.

 

Special Assessments for Eleventh Street Improvements Project – Final  Resolution No. 12-09:  Mayor Knudson shared information on the City’s Special Assessment Policy regarding curb and gutter and sidewalk replacement costs and noted that the property owners are assessed 50%.  He stated that the public hearing had been held and reviewed a citizen’s concern for being assessed again if total reconstruction of the road occurs again in eight to ten years.   He advised that the road bed base was in good condition now, but if repairs are not done, water could damage the base.  Additional information was shared regarding the possibility of future reconstruction and the review process involved.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 12-09.  Roll call vote, all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to adopt the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 12-09

FINAL RESOLUTION RE: SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR

ELEVENTH STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider request of Public Safety Committee to draft language changes to Municipal Code, Ch. 187-19 D(3), re: Sexual Offender Residency Restriction Exceptions – Ordinance No. 10-09:  mayor Knudson stated that the Public Safety Committee recommended that the City Attorney modify the language in Chapter 187.  He presented a draft of Ordinance No. 10-09 for consideration and suggested that a first reading could be held, or the item could be referred back to the Public Safety Committee for additional language changes.  Attorney Munkittrick advised that some high school students do not live with their parents, and the City should also include language in the ordinance to cover such situations. 

 

MOTION by Wyland, second by Brokaw, to refer the item back to the Public Safety Committee for further review and to update the language.  Attorney Munkittrick will provide guidance to the Public Safety Committee chairperson on the topic.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider preparation of plans and specifications and authorize Bonestroo to advertise for bids for the Coulee Road Mill and Overlay Project:  city Administrator Devin Willi provided an update on the summer road construction projects and their associated costs.  He noted there could be expected savings from the Carmichael Road Project, 11th Street Mill and Overlay Project, and the 2009 Street Maintenance Project, but final numbers would not be known until the projects are completed.  Discussion was held regarding the possibility of proceeding with the Coulee Road Mill and Overlay Project this season.  Public Works & Parks Director Tom Zeuli shared information regarding the current condition of Coulee Road and the need for work to be done soon. 

 

MOTION by Morrissette, second by Wyland, to approve the preparation of plans and authorize Bonestroo to advertise for bids for the proposed Coulee Road Mill and Overlay Project.  MOTION AMENDED to include that engineering costs are not to exceed $5,000.  Discussion was held concerning funds from last year and the status of other road construction projects including Tower Road, Baer Road, and Second Street from Vine Street to Lake Mallalieu.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:  Administrator Willi provided an update regarding a tentative agreement with the Teamster Unions.  He also stated that the 2010 Budget process would begin by the end of the week, and that the draft of the Safety Facilities Site Study was finalized and should be ready for presentation at the next Council meeting.

 

     ADJOURN:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to adjourn at 7:45 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 sent forth therein.

  

Dean Knudson, Mayor