CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF 8/21/06

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, Scot O’Malley and Carah Koch.

ABSENT: Alderperson Dennis O’Connell.

OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Jim Frye, Angela Popenhagen, Laura Foster, Randy Hanson, Jim Eulberg, Betty Caruso, Mike Kruger, Paul Larson, Jim Coan, Sara Watts, Nicole Schmit, Kristin Casa de Calvo, and others.

Mayor Breault led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Mayor Breault called three times for comments and suggestions from citizens present; none were given.

Mayor Breault introduced Chief of Police James Coan, who started in his new position on August 14^th. He was previously in Whitewater, WI. Chief Coan thanked the Mayor, Council members and City Administrator for the confidence and trust they have given him. He also thanked Lt. Paul Larsen for serving as Interim Police Chief.

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

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 8/7/06, Closed Session minutes of 8/7/06, and Special Meeting Minutes of 8/17/06.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

Fund	Description	payables	payroll	Totals
100	General	347,987.52	125,622.69	473,610.21
290	Police Donations	500.00	0.00	500.00
410	Tax Increment Financing	24,018.85	0.00	24,018.85
450	Capital Projects	4,929.40	0.00	4,929.40
610	Sewer	26,239.18	10,413.66	36,652.84
620	Parking Utility	2,905.07	832.61	3,737.68
630	Ambulance	5,620.46	7,906.16	13,526.62
860	Tax Agency	1,195,108.53	0.00	1,195,108.53
880	Investment	95,977.87	0.00	95,977.87
	Total	$1,703,286.88	$144,775.12	$1,848,062.00

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period August 22, 2006 to June 30, 2008 to:

Ruth E. Peterson 735 Eleventh Street S. Hudson, WI

Kristine M. Geiger 312 Morning Glory Circle Glenwood City, WI

And the issuance of a Temporary Operator’s License to be used September 16 and 17, 2006 at St. Patrick’s Fall Festival to:

Lori L. Gross 737 Deer Path Road N. Hudson, WI

Application of St. Patrick’s Church for Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer and wine September 16 and 17, 2006 at the annual Fall Fest to be held at 1500 Vine Street: Approve the issuance of a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License St. Patrick’s Church to sell beer and wine September 16 and 17, 2006 at the annual Fall Fest held at St. Patrick’s Church, 1500 Vine Street, Hudson, WI.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Place on file the Quarterly Reports of the Water Utility Director and Police Department, and the Public Utility Commission minutes of 8/8/06.

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

Update on Miss Hudson Pageant – Laura Foster: Ms. Laura Foster, representing Barker’s Bar and Grill, corporate sponsor of the Miss Hudson Pageant, expressed thanks for the City’s support in 2005 and hopes for continued support in 2006. She announced the names of committee members and also introduced some of the current Hudson court. Information was provided regarding plans to launch a fundraiser for renovation of the float. The princesses in attendance offered their thanks for the opportunity to participate in the program.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve City sponsorship of the Miss Hudson Pageant at a cost of $2,500.00. Mayor Breault reported that the Finance Committee recommended approval, with funds to come from the Room Tax account. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Review quotes for purchase of computer system equipment – Mike Kruger: IT systems Administrator Mike Kruger gave a summary on the proposed purchase of computer equipment. He noted the new system would provide security and offer better options for email accounts, as well as workflow improvements. Options for funding were presented. Clarification was given that the purchase would cover replacement of the servers and the central management system, not the PCs currently in use.

MOTION by Radermacher, second by Morrissette, to approve the purchase of computer system equipment and software in the total amount of $76,485, using $24,000 from the Unallocated Fund Balance account. Additional information was provided regarding the $45,423.95 cost allocated to the General Fund, and that portions of the total project would be shared by various City Departments, as indicated on the funding source sheet. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Review fuel bids submitted for providing no-lead gasoline and fuel to City Departments for the period 9/1/06 to 8/31/07: mayor Breault announced that the Finance Committee did not provide a recommendation regarding the fuel contract. It was noted that the current contract would expire on 9/01/06, and only one bid was received from Consolidated Energy Coop. Discussion was held concerning the price of fuel and the desire to rebid the contract. It was decided to place this item on a future agenda, with Administrator Willi and Public Works Director Jim Eulberg to work on the new contract requirements and bid process.

Issues regarding replacement of 1990 Fire Department tanker truck: Fire Chief Jim Frye presented information concerning the purchase of a tanker truck in 2007. He noted that new EPA emissions standards would take effect next January, but if an order for a custom chassis was placed before September 15, 2006 and delivered by May of 2007, it would fall under the 2006 emissions standards. This would result in a savings of $15,000. Mr. Frye also noted that the vehicle would be able to serve as a tanker and a pumper. He explained that the custom chassis would cost approximately $50,000 more than a commercial chassis, but it would be a better value due to safety features and extended service life.

Discussion was held regarding the financing options for the total amount of approximately $385,000. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to authorize advertising for bids for a proposed 3,200-gallon tanker truck for the Fire Department. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Use of $1,066 Fire ACT grant funds for Fire Department education materials: fire Chief Frye explained there was money available from the Fire Act Grant funds used for the Exhaust Capture Removal System Project in the Public Safety Building. He reported that the Department had $10,663 available to purchase public educational materials, and they needed a match of 10% of that amount in order to comply with the financial terms of the grant. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve $1,066.00 to purchase Fire Department public education materials, as a 10% match for the remaining grant funds. All ayes, (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Update on health insurance: administrator Willi provided an update regarding the status of receiving health insurance quotes from insurance companies. He reported that none have been submitted. Two companies chose not to submit, as their benefits could not be substantially equivalent to the current policy in place. He explained that two other companies requested health insurance forms to be completed by the City employees. Mr. Willi indicated there was a lack of cooperation from a handful of employees, and as a result, the company was unable to provide a quote. He asked for direction from Council on how to proceed. He recommended that they request the union contracts be reopened to address the issue. Mr. Willi noted that the new premiums for the State insurance plan should arrive soon.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to authorize Mr. Willi to investigate the possibility of reopening the union contracts, and to draft a letter to those employees who did not provide the health information forms that were requested. Discussion included information that one of the Police union representatives had indicated their union members should complete the forms. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Review and approve designs for River Walk Park Shelter and authorize advertisement for bids: engineer Angela Popenhagen presented information regarding the revised design for the Riverwalk Park Shelter. She explained the DNR’s recommendation for the placement of the shelter, in order to use the minimum amount of fill at the site. She reported that soil borings are being done to determine stability of the land. Ms. Popenhagen estimated the shelter could cost $260,000. Discussion was held regarding payment for the design portion of the project. It was recommended that the City pay half and the Rotary Club pay the half.

MOTION by Radermacher, second by Morrissette, to approve the design for the River Walk Park Shelter, and authorize advertising for bids for the project. Discussion included the placement of the dumpster and the care and use of the shelter. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Update on Projects: Angela Popenhagen reported that the Hanley Road Storm Sewer Utility and Street Improvement Project was scheduled to begin August 23^rd. She also called attention to a memo regarding the Crest View Drive triple left turn lanes to Carmichael Road. The report included a 13-point checklist to consider before installing a triple left turn lane, and the items that needed to be included to make it operational. She specifically pointed out the mast arm and movement of the signal pole would be costly.

Mayor Breault recommended that Finance Officer Caruso and Administrator Willi look into possible funding sources and consider bonding.

Ms. Popenhagen also reviewed repairs done to Walnut Street at Sixth Street that were completed. She noted that during construction, the storm sewer and catch basin were improved, as well as securing the hillside from further erosion. She reported that the timing of the traffic signals on Carmichael Road were being checked again and would continue to be monitored.

communications and items for future agendas: O’Malley announced that the communications antenna in the downtown area would be connected and operating at full power by the end of August, according to his discussions with Cingular.

Attorney Munkittrick announced that she had obtained two studies for review concerning sexual predators; one from Minnesota and one from Colorado. She also indicated that a probation officer and an employee from the state registry system should be on hand at the first Council meeting in September to explain the existing system and answer any questions.

Administrator Willi informed the Council that the preliminary tax levy increase information was received from the State; it appears the City could be limited to a 3% increase. Last year the City was able to increase the levy by approximately 8%. He explained that a 3% increase could amount to between $120,000 and $150,000. He also announced dates of upcoming elections as September 12^th and November 7^th.

Consider convening into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats. to discuss possible compensation for Interim Police Chief: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Morrissette, to convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats. to discuss possible compensation for Interim Police Chief. Roll call vote, all ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED at 7:51 p.m.

Reconvene in Open Session for possible action re: compensation for Interim Police Chief: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to reconvene into Open Session for possible action regarding compensation for the Interim Police Chief. All ayes, (5), MOTION CARRIED at 8:00 p.m. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to approve the payment of $1,000 and a plaque to Lt. Paul Larson for assuming the duties of Interim Police Chief. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to adjourn at 8:01 p.m. All ayes (5). MOTION CARRIED.

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