CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2005

                                                           UNAPPROVED

 

Meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m. called to order by Mayor Jack Breault in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:07 p.m.

 

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

 

ABSENT:  Alderperson Dennis O’Connell.

 

OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Dick Trende, David Robson, Angela Popenhagen, Gordon Conard, Teresa Jackson, Brian Zeller, Dennis Darnold, Jim Seal, Regan Dewey, Marie Schmidt, and others.

 

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT:  Mr. Jim Seal, 145 Deerwood Court, addressed the Council regarding his concerns about the Developer’s Agreement for his neighborhood.  He stated that he did not believe the developers had complied with the Agreement and he requested that the City check into it.  Dennis Darnold agreed to get back to Mr. Seal with more information.

 

Teresa Jackson, 915 Third Street, announced that she hoped the City of Hudson and landlords in the area who have open property would work together to relocate victims of Hurricane Katrina to this area.  Mayor Breault shared information about organizations that are accepting donations to help with the rescue effort.  O’Malley also had information about adopting families in need.  Website addresses would be posted in the “Information and Announcements” portion on the City of Hudson website to assist those interested in participating in the effort.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:   MOTION by Radermacher, second by Riedel, to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

 

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes and Closed Session minutes of 8/15/05.

 

Claims:   Approve the following claims for payment:

 

Fund

Description

PAYABLES

PAYROLL

Totals

100

General

426,570.32

147,458.67

574,028.99

410

Tax Increment Financing

3,572.88

0.00

3,572.88

450

Capital Projects

31,632.75

0.00

31,632.75

610

Sewer

15,394.22

10,180.07

25,574.29

620

Parking Utility

759.27

868.11

1,627.38

630

Ambulance

4,036.28

16,141.91

20,178.19

 

                TOTALS 

$481,965.72

$174,648.76

$656,614.48

 

Applications for Operators Licenses:  Approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 9/7/05 to 6/30/07 to:

 

Tracey Lynn Ziegler             312 W. Pine Street        Roberts, WI

Robert Eric Kumm                     2065 18th Avenue           Baldwin, WI

Jodi Lee Skoog                  667 Deerwood Drive         Hudson, WI

 

And the issuance of Temporary licenses to be used September 16-18, 2005 at St. Patrick’s Fall Festival to:

 

Susan Catherine Grancorvitz          818 Harborview Road        Hudson, WI

 

Application of St. Patrick’s Church for Temporary Class “B”/”Class B”               Retailer’s License to sell beer and wine September 17 and 18, 2005 at the    annual Fall Festival at the church, 1500 Vine Street:  Approve the issuance of a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to St. Patrick’s Church to sell beer and wine September 17 and 18, 2005 at their annual Fall Festival at the church, 1500 Vine Street.

 

St. Croix E.M.S. write-offs:  Approve the St. Croix E.M.S. write-offs in the amount of $16,293.38, as recommended by LifeQuest following Phase III of their collection procedures. 

 

Request for hayride on City streets from Bethel Church to wedding reception at Hudson House Inn:  Approve the request of Jessica Green and Allan Hanson for a hayride for their wedding party on Saturday, September 17th, following the 3:00 p.m. ceremony at Bethel Lutheran Church on Third Street, to the Hudson House Inn on Crest View Drive.

 

Deny request for reserved parking spaces in Harbor lot on Second Street:  Deny the request of tenants from 412½ Second Street for four reserved parking spaces in the Harbor parking lot on Second Street.

 

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:  To place on file the Quarterly Report of the Police Chief, and the Community Access Board minutes of 8/23/05 and St. Croix E.M.S. Commission minutes of 8/29/05.

 

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

 

Final development plans for 5,250 square foot restaurant on lot 10 in Ban Tara development – Perkins/T J Food Ventures:  Dennis Darnold informed Council that the Plan Commission recommended approval of the final development of plans for the relocation of the Perkins Restaurant to lot 10 in the Ban Tara commercial development.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the final development plans for the 5,250 square foot Perkins Restaurant on Lot 10 in Ban Tara commercial subdivision, as proposed by T J Food Ventures, with the plans to be revised per the City Engineer and Fire Inspector’s comments. 

 

Koch expressed her concern about the potential for traffic problems that could result from the annexation of the Ban Tara development property.  She stated that she supports this proposal but questioned the overall look for the rest of the buildings. Mr. Darnold explained that 10 parcels are planned for development and the Plan Commission has discussed that the buildings should be complimentary but they would not look alike.  He stated that the buildings would be tied together with common features such as lighting and landscaping.  O’Malley questioned if it would be possible for the developers to provide samples of colors that are proposed to be used in their building materials.  Mr. Darnold stated that the Plan Commission would be asking the developers to provide a list explaining the types of materials to be used in construction, as well as their color scheme.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Request of Marie Schmidt (Winzer Stube German Restaurant) to use City Hall parking lot for Oktoberfest event September 30, October 1 and 2:  Mayor Breault explained that the Finance Committee had recommended approval of the use of the City Hall parking lot for the event.  Chief Trende also gave his approval.  Mayor Breault added that there was a concern that the music should end at midnight, and if there were complaints about the noise, they would be addressed immediately.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to approve the request of Marie Schmidt to use the City Hall parking lot on Third Street for an Oktoberfest event from September 30th to October 2nd, 2005.  During discussion, Mayor Breault requested that a fee scale be established for use of City parking lots.  The money would be placed into the Parking Utility fund, since the lots and meters would be shut down during the special use events.  Riedel questioned whether a damage deposit would be required.  Marie Schmidt of the Winzer Stube German Restaurant stated that she expected approximately 120 persons to attend the event.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Request of Humane Society of Pierce-St. Croix. Inc. for financial    assistance:  mayor Breault reported that the Finance Committee heard a request from Theresa Jonas, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Pierce-St. Croix, Inc.  He noted that Ms. Jonas would be requesting financial assistance from both Pierce and St. Croix Counties and from the City of Hudson in order to allow the shelter to stay open.  Koch commented that some type of contingency plan should be in place in case the shelter closes at the end of the year.   No action was taken.

 

Application of Buddy Boyz Enterprises, Ltd. for Class B Beer and             Class C Wine License d/b/a Patrizio’s Pizzeria, 816 Carmichael               Road, Hudson, WI:  Mayor Breault stated that the Finance Committee had voted two to one to approve the issuance of the beer and wine licenses.  Chief Trende reported that following the background check, he could see no reason for denial of the license.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch to approve the issuance of a Class B beer and Class C wine license to Buddy Boyz Enterprises, Ltd., d/b/a Patrizio’s Pizzeria at 816 Carmichael Road, through June of 2006, (upon successful completion of the inspections by the City Building Inspector and Fire Inspector). Ayes (4); Radermacher abstained.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Consider increasing towing fees:  City Attorney Catherine Munkittrick advised that the Towing Policy should be reviewed annually and the City’s Procurement Policy should be followed in establishing new towing rates.  Chief Trende noted that some special considerations would be required.  Attorney Munkittrick advised that the same procedures used the last time should be followed, including the advertising for bids, and filling out the proper bid forms.  She advised that Council could then proceed to awarding the contract and establishing the towing fee rates.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to direct that a Request for Proposals for towing services be prepared for review by the Public Safety Committee and final consideration by the Common Council.  Discussion included an explanation of how the towing charges were paid and reimbursed.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.    

 

Update on projects:  Engineer Angela Popenhagen gave an update on current projects that included information that the gravel base on the Carmichael Road walkway would be paved by the end of the week.  Mayor Breault noted that the City and the School District were sharing the costs of the walkway project. 

 

Ms. Popenhagen noted that the utilities in the Ban Tara development were complete and the curb and gutter was 90% complete.  She stated that the signal modification concept plans were also completed.  She indicated that the Center Drive traffic signal would be changed from a three-way to a four-way signal.

 

Ms. Popenhagen stated that construction of the First Presbyterian Church was moving along well, and their left-turn lane on Vine Street was in place.  It was noted that the walking path would be re-routed.  Mayor Breault commented that the Public Works Department had installed new lane markings on Carmichael Road and Crest View Drive to make them more visible.

 

Request of Wells Fargo Bank to use the west portion of the North Parking Lot for their annual Green Bay Packer cookout event on Friday, September 9, 2005:  Mayor Breault noted the request of the Wells Fargo Bank to hold their annual Green Bay Packer cook-out event.  A canopy would be erected for serving picnic-type food.  Their required certificate of insurance was supplied.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by Koch, to approve the request of Wells Fargo Bank to use the west portion of the North Parking Lot for their annual Green Bay Packer cookout event on Friday, September 9, 2005.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED. Radermacher noted that the use of City parking lots would be placed on the next Public Safety Committee agenda.

 

Discussion only re: deer herd management:  mayor Breault announced that the he was working with the Hudson Area Intergovernmental Advisory Council regarding the issue of deer herd management.  He stated that this matter was for discussion only at this time.  Information was presented by Village President Larry Larsen that included support from the Wisconsin DNR for municipalities that wished to reduce the size of the deer herds within their boundaries, as well as other options to be considered.  Mayor Breault stated that costs could be $90 to $95 per deer killed, plus $55 to $65 per deer for processing.  No formal deer population survey would be required.  He also noted that a special permit from the DNR would be required for the local shooters, Police Department officers, or sharpshooters hired to reduce the deer herd.  Mayor Breault explained that each municipality would decide on the course of action they wish to follow.  He noted that this would be an item for the 2006 City Budget and could cost from $5,000 to $8,000. 

 

Discussion included concerns for the method of the hunt, the boundaries, and compassion for the animals.  Mayor Breault stated that no action would be taken at this meeting; a formal resolution could be adopted at a later date.

 

Approve and establish date for Annual Appreciation Dinner for volunteer MEMBERS OF City boards, committees and commissions:  Mayor Breault expressed his desire to show appreciation to the members of the City boards, committees and commissions, as has been done in the past.  Clerk Norvold shared information that Riversides Restaurant has welcomed the opportunity to hold the event at their location.  In discussion it was noted that funds were available, per Finance Officer Betty Caruso.  Possible dates for the event were considered.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the annual Appreciation Dinner for members of City boards, committees, and commissions, at a cost of up to $1,200, to be held at Riversides Restaurant on Thursday, September 29, 2005.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Resolution No. 15-05 seeking WI Waterway Commission Grant Funds:  attorney Munkittrick reported that the resolution was necessary in order to apply for grant funds for the shelter facility, and the deadline for submitting grants was approaching.  She called attention to several changes that she had made to the original resolution draft, noting that it now referred to positions and not individuals who would sign documents and manage the grant, once it was obtained.  She also stated that if expenditures were not provided for in the budget, those documents would be subject to Council approval.  The resolution also indicated that all actions must be consistent with federal and state law and local ordinances.

 

Radermacher provided information that the picnic shelter and restroom facility to be built on the end of the dike road was a $200,000 project, with the City contributing $50,000, the Hudson Rotary Clubs $50,000, and a grant application for the remaining $100,000.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 15-05.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley to adopt the following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 15-05

SUPPORTING HUDSON TOLLGATE SHELTER FACILITY

AND SEEKING WI WATERWAYS COMMISSION GRANT FUNDS

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office)

 

All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

     communications and recommendations of the mayor:  Mayor Breault announced that he would be making appointments to the Public Utility Commission, Police and Fire Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals at the next meeting.

 

     COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:  Radermacher reported that the Public Safety Committee would like to have the issue of a new Public Safety facility placed on a future Council agenda for discussion.  He also asked whether the discussion could include the possible location of such a facility on the County-owned land at Carmichael Road/Vine Street.

 

     Council members received a memo regarding the training opportunities available for them regarding the National Incident Management System.  Administrator Willi reported that 2006 budget preparation documents had been furnished to the Department Heads.  He noted that it would be a challenge to keep within the budget due to the State imposed levy limits.  Mayor Breault noted that the members of the Intergovernmental Advisory Council were concerned as well, and noted that some members were considering dropping out of the Joint Library system due to the property tax restrictions, unless changes to the current funding formula occur.  O’Malley commented that a year’s notice would be required to leave the Joint Library system.  Mr. Willi noted that the public hearing to adopt the Budget would be scheduled for the second Council meeting in November, as usual. 

 

MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to adjourn the meeting.  All ayes.  MOTION CARRIED.  Meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.   

 

Nancy Norvold, 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