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, Betty Caruso, Gordon Conard, Mike Kunz, Curt Weese, Randy Hanson, Marty Jensen, and others.

 

     COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT:  Curt Weese, 613 Cedar Drive North, North Hudson, spoke regarding his concerns for a recent newspaper article about the space needs at the Library.  He commented on the outcome of the referendum items included on the November 8th ballot and, as a taxpayer in one of the municipalities included in the Library district, voiced his concern that the Library Board not spend taxpayer money needlessly.

 

     Mayor Knudson called for any other comments or suggestions; none were given.

 

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

 

MINUTES:  Approve the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting minutes of 7/20/09.

 

CLAIMS:  Approve the following claims for payment:

 

 

FUND

DESCRIPTION

PAYABLES

PAYROLL

TOTALS

100

General

116,243.66

200,286.52

316,530.18

270

Police Drug Forfeiture

459.97

0.00

459.97

280

Park Donations

0.00

0.00

0.00

290

Police Donations

140.00

0.00

140.00

450

Capital Projects

632,807.73

0.00

632,807.73

490

Biosolids

0.00

0.00

0.00

610

Sewer

4,800.72

11,189.10

15,989.82

620

Parking

367.90

1,130.10

1,498.00

630

Ambulance

4,444.74

27,281.05

31,725.79

860

Tax Agency

27.56

0.00

27.56

 

              TOTALS

759,292.28

239,886.77

999,179.05

 

 

     Review and approve job description for CSO/Paramedic position:  Approve the job description for the Community Service Officer/Paramedic position, as submitted.

 

     REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS COMMISSIONS:  Place on file the quarterly reports of the City Clerk and Library Director, the annual report of the Assessor, the Community Access Board minutes of 7/28/09, and the Zoning and Building Board of Appeals minutes of 6/9/09.

 

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

 

     Applications for Operator’s Licenses:   Mayor Knudson stated that staff and the Finance Committee recommended approval of the applications.   morrissette recused himself. MOTION by Wyland, second by Burchill, to approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 8/4/09 to 6/30/11 to the following:

 

 

Benjamin J. Frys           6945 Glenwood Avenue       Golden Valley, MN

Amanda R. Johnson          1707 Laurel Avenue         Hudson, WI

Stacy M. Krook             3451 Seven Oaks Street     River Falls, WI

William J. Petersen        403 7th Street North       Hudson, WI

Suzanne A. Rode            412 Helen Street North     Hudson, WI

 

Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider amending Municipal Code Chapter 220 regarding taxicab licensing      period and fees – Ordinance No. 11-09:  Mayor Knudson reported that the Finance Committee and staff recommended adoption of Ordinance No. 11-09,  which would include language regarding the dates for taxicab licensing period, and that fees would not be prorated or refundable.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance No. 11-09.  Roll call vote, all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by Wyland, second by O’Malley, to adopt the following:

 

ORDINANCE NO. 11-09

AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTERS 220-5 AND 220-7

REGARDING TAXICAB SERVICE LICENSES

                                     (Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

Mayor Knudson stated that the changes were primarily housekeeping items.  He recommended additional work on the language in the entire chapter, at some point.   All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Application of Stonewood Furniture Inc. for Class B beer license d/b/a Dolce at 106 Buckeye Street, Hudson, WI:  Mayor Knudson explained that the Finance Committee recommended approval.  He noted that a public notice was published in the newspaper regarding the availability of beer licenses, and that the recent quota change created two more licenses.  He reported that only one application was submitted, and there were other inquiries. 

 

MOTION by Wyland, second by O’Malley, to approve the issuance of a Class B Beer license to Stonewood Furniture Inc. d/b/a Dolce at 106 Buckeye Street.  O’Malley commented that the establishment was a good addition to the downtown area.  Mayor Knudson stated that there would still be one beer license available in the City.  It was noted that the business met the criteria that its principle purpose was the furnishing of food under the restaurant permit.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Issues regarding costs for installing street lights on Hunter Hill Road:  mayor Knudson stated that the Finance Committee recommended referring the issue back to the Public Works Committee to address the Committee’s concerns.  MOTION by Morrissette, second by Burchill, to refer to the Public Works Committee the request to install additional street lights on Hunter Hill Road.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider Police Department purchase of Forensic Light Source Kit:  mayor Knudson reported that the Finance Committee recommended that funding for the equipment come from the 2009 Police Department budget, or that it be included in the 2010 budget process.  Information was shared regarding the value of the forensic light source kit on a crime scene.  O’Malley stated he believed the unit was no longer available and recommended more research on the additional products.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to refer the topic back to the Public Safety Committee to additionally review the possible purchase of a forensic light source kit.  Mayor Knudson stated that it may be eligible as a Capital Outlay item, and referred to other comments and information shared at the Finance Committee meeting.  Discussion was held regarding the origin of the request, funding, and that Target has offered an $800 grant to assist in the purchase.  It was noted there would be no time limit on receiving the grant money.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

Discussion and possible action re: 2009-2011 Collective Bargaining Agreements with Clerical and Public Works unions:  mayor Knudson stated that a tentative settlement was reached for 3-year contracts with the Teamsters Union Clerical and Public Works units.  He shared information regarding the contributions to the group health insurance, and noted that the two units, plus the Police unit, would all be paying 8% of their insurance premiums by the end of the contracts.  He noted they would be included in the Health Reimbursement Account plan and that the plan was working well and offered incentives for employees to become healthier. 

 

MOTION by Burchill, second by O’Malley, to approve the 2009-2011 collective bargaining agreements with the Clerical and Public Works units of the Teamsters Union.  Mayor Knudson stated that the bargaining team recommended approval of the agreements.  All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

     UPDATE ON PROJECTS:  Mayor Knudson noted that Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz was not present, but his update report was provided.  Morrissette questioned whether any changes could be made on the 11th Street Improvements Project, noting concerns for pedestrian safety in the area of 11th Street and Coulee Road.  He stated he would contact the engineer.  Additional information was shared on the work schedule for the project.

 

     Morrissette requested information on the Space Utilization Study; Mayor Knudson responded that a draft was in circulation and the report should be available at the next Council meeting.

 

Special Assessments for Coulee Road Improvements Project – Preliminary Resolution No. 9-09:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 9-09.  Roll call vote taken, all ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill, to adopt the following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 9-09

PRELIMINARY RESOLUTION RE: SPECIAL ASSESSMENT

POWERS FOR 2009 COULEE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

  

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

 

VACANCY OF MEMBER ON HUDSON HOUSING AUTHORITY:  Mayor Knudson reported there was a vacancy on the Hudson Housing Authority for a five-year term.  He asked that any suggestions for members be forwarded to him.  He noted that the vacancy occurred due to the resignation of Greg Timmerman, after serving several terms (since January of 1997).

 

     COMMENTS ON HUDSON AREA JOINT LIBRARY ASSESSMENT REPORT:  Mayor Knudson provided a memo and presentation regarding the Joint Library Assessment Report prepared by Mr. Thompson.  He stated he strongly urged the Board not to accept the report, as it contained misleading comparisons with other libraries.  He noted that the Thompson report treated the entire population of the greater Hudson area as the City’s population.  He also addressed the space needs and that the Library Board’s goal should be to provide excellent service at a low cost.  Mayor Knudson also called attention to the levy limit laws, noting that local governments may only increase library funding by cutting services elsewhere, unless the voters approve a tax increase.  He stated he would be happy to speak with people on the topic and it could be considered on a future agenda.

 

     COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:  Wyland shared appreciation from a constituent who received quick service on a Police Department call.  Burchill noted that the Library Board was working on a zero budget increase.  O’Malley stated that he respected the Mayor’s right to provide his comments and concerns on the Library; he noted that the Mayor’s presentation also included some distortions and could discuss them at a later date.  

 

     ADJOURN:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to adjourn at 7:55 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