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: Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Betty
Caruso, Denny Darnold, Tom Zeuli, Chuck Schwartz, Ron Troyer, Kim Heinemann,
Ruth Peterson, Randy Hanson, Mary Yacoub, Bishop John Bofata, Pat Murphy, and
others.
COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Hudson Chamber of
Commerce and Tourism President Kim Heinemann invited everyone to attend the
upcoming Spirit of the Saint Croix Days scheduled for September 26-27, 2009 in
Lakefront Park. She shared a list of the
scheduled events; information can be found on their website www.hudsonwi.org.
Mayor Knudson introduced
Bishop John Bofata who is visiting from Kinshasa, of the Democratic Republic of
Congo. Bishop Bofata was interested in
watching democracy in practice. He praised
the transparent system of government used and complimented our nation.
CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION by Bernard, second by Wyland to
approve the following Consent Agenda items:
MINUTES: Approve the Public Hearing, Regular meeting minutes,
and Closed session minutes of 9/8/09.
Certified survey map to create two zero-lot line lots
at 1117 and
1121 Summer Street – Roger and Faye Schlemmer: Approve the two-lot Certified Survey Map as
proposed by Roger and Faye Schlemmer, 1117 and 1121 Summer Street, with the
condition that the common wall agreement is executed and recorded at the St. Croix
County Register of Deeds office, and a copy of the recorded common wall
agreement is provided to the City of Hudson.
CLAIMS: Approve the following claims for payment:
|
FUND |
DESCRIPTION |
PAYABLES |
PAYROLL |
TOTALS |
|
100 |
General |
222,339.39 |
133,036.79 |
355,376.18 |
|
280 |
Park Donations |
2,240.00 |
0.00 |
2,240.00 |
|
450 |
Capital Projects |
313,688.29 |
0.00 |
313,688.29 |
|
610 |
Sewer |
34,979.43 |
11,784.95 |
46,764.38 |
|
620 |
Parking |
923.12 |
1,156.53 |
2,079.65 |
|
630 |
Ambulance |
71,466.00 |
7,478.45 |
78,944.45 |
|
|
Totals |
645,636.23 |
153,456.72 |
799,092.95 |
Application
of Christian Community Campus Foundation, Inc. for Temporary “Class B”
Retailer’s License to sell wine during their CCH Foundation Wine Fest on
November 6, 2009 at 1312 Wisconsin Street: Approve the
issuance of a Temporary “Class B” Retailer’s License to the Christian Community
Campus Foundation, Inc. to sell wine at their CCH Foundation Wine Fest event on
November 6, 2009 at 1312 Wisconsin Street.
Finance Officer’s monthly report:
Place on file the Finance
Officer’s monthly report.
Request for annual Red Ribbon
Week 5K Walk/Run October 17, 2009:
Approve the 7th Annual Red Ribbon Week 5K Walk/Run on Saturday,
October 17, 2009 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., beginning and ending at Hudson
High School on Vine Street.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, and COMMISSIONS: Place on file the the Joint Fire Board
minutes of 9/14/09, the Public Utility Commission minutes of 9/8/09, and the
Joint Library Board minutes of 8/10/09.
Roll call vote: Ayes (6).
MOTION CARRIED.
Final development plans for Hudson Supportive
Housing, 123 Heritage Blvd., north of Heritage Blvd. and east of Tribute Ave.,
Heritage Greens planned residential development – Accessible Space, Inc: Community Development Director Denny Darnold
presented information regarding the final development plans as proposed by
Accessible Space, Inc. He noted the Plan
Commission and Staff recommended approval, with the condition that the final
plans be revised to incorporate the comments and recommendations of the City Engineer
and Fire Department. O’Malley recused
himself. Mr. Darnold praised the project
and noted the need for the facility in the community. He also called attention to the project
funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development - Supportive
Housing Program. Affordability and
parking spaces were also discussed.
MOTION
by Morrissette, second by Bernard to approve the final development plans for
the 15-unit Hudson Supportive Housing project at 123 Heritage Boulevard as
proposed by Accessible Space, Inc., with the condition that the final plans be
revised to incorporate the comments and recommendations of the City Engineer
and Fire Department. Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.
Final development plans for Hudson Elder Housing, 100
Heirloom, east of proposed Heirloom extension and south of proposed Ivy Green
extension, Heritage Greens planned residential development – Accessible Space,
Inc. Denny Darnold stated the Plan Commission and Staff
recommended approval of the final development plans for the 32-unit Hudson
Elder Housing project with the recommendations of the City Engineer and Fire Department,
and that no building permit or permit to start site work be issued until the City
Engineer receives and approves the amended plans. O’Malley recused himself. Mr. Darnold noted that the development, to be
funded through the Section 202 program of the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, has been established to extend the supply of affordable housing
with supportive services for the elderly.
The project would include an underground storm water filtering system,
and no garage units but will provide 32 off street parking spaces and
additional on street parking on Heirloom.
It was also noted only 40-50% of the residents typically own cars.
MOTION
by Bernard, second by Wyland to approve the final development plans for the 32-unit
Hudson Elder Housing project at 100 Heirloom, as proposed by Accessible Space,
Inc., with the condition that the plans be amended per the recommendations of
the City Engineer and Fire Department, that no building permit or permit to
start work be issued until the City Engineer receives and approves the amended
plans, and the need for a Maintenance Agreement for the storm water system
which is to be on file at the Register of Deeds Office.
Discussion
included information that Mr. Darnold work with the City Attorney, City
Engineer, and Accessible Space, Inc. regarding the creation of a Maintenance Agreement
that would be filed at the Register of Deeds Office. Mayor Knudson also pointed out the
competitive nature of the application process and that there was limited funding
for the projects. The HUD construction and operational grants have 40-year terms. Ayes, (5), MOTION CARRIED.
Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Morrissette recused himself. Mayor Knudson pointed out the Finance
Committee and staff recommended approval of the list of applicants presented on
the issue sheet. MOTION by Wyland,
second by Bernard to approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for
the period 9/22/09 to 6/30/11 to:
Brooklynn
K. Balow 267 Troon Court Hudson, WI
Amanda
Benjamin 2008 Hunter Hill Court Hudson, WI
Kristie
A. Brenes 363 Old Cemetery Road River Falls, WI
Brandon
W. Cadwallader 2255J Vining Drive Woodbury, MN
Marie
S. Ida 853 McDiarmid Drive Hudson, WI
Cayla
A. Holland 461 Jensen Lane Hudson, WI
Jennifer
L. Jorgensen 2716 Mallard Drive Woodbury, MN
Matthew
C. Leach 220 7th
Street E. Hastings, MN
Lisa
M. Mattison 6147J Tahoe Circle Woodbury, MN
And
the issuance of Temporary Operator’s
Licenses to be used Oct. 2-3, 2009
during the Oktoberfest event to the following:
Craig
C. Aschenbrenner 746 Oriole Lane Hudson, WI
Debra
J. Hartman 726 Glenna Drive Hudson, WI
Glen
R. Hartman 726 Glenna Drive Hudson, WI
Jason
A. Gruber 1213 117th
Street New Richmond, WI
Hans
P. Lamkin 1601 Redwood Dr.
#203 Hudson, WI
John
W. Larsen 813 Hillside Trail Hudson, WI
Robert
D. Moody 1601 Redwood Dr. #101 Hudson, WI
Voletta
T. Newman 1601 Redwood Dr. #203 Hudson, WI
Dag
Selander 1209 First Street Hudson, WI
And
the issuance of Temporary Operator’s
Licenses to be used November 6, 2009
during the CCH Foundation Wine Fest to the following:
Danny
C. Goodier 617 Overlook Court
North Hudson, WI
Beth
Ann M. Richter 401 County Road MM River Falls, WI
Mr. Willi explained the reason more applications are
being processed lately. Mayor Knudson also pointed out that a mandatory
educational meeting was held to remind business owners of the requirement for a
licensed operator to be present at all times, that inspections are done, and the
ordinances are being enforced. Ayes
(5), MOTION CARRIED.
Consider
redemption of Water System Revenue Bonds, Series 2001B dated July 1, 2001 –
Resolution No. 15-09: MOTION by
O’Malley, second by Wyland to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution
No. 15-09. Roll call vote: Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to
adopt the following:
RESOLUTION
NO. 15-09
REDEMPTION
OF WATER SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2001B DATED 7/1/01
(Copy
on file in Clerk’s office)
Mayor Knudson pointed out the redemption saves $416,000
in interest expense. Ayes (6), MOTION
CARRIED.
Review
options and costs for Walnut Street Bridge repairs: Mayor
Knudson stated the Finance Committee recommended referral of the item to the
Public Works Committee to develop a recommendation and bring back to the next
Council meeting.
Consider
revisions to City’s Procurement Policy: Mayor Knudson announced the Finance Committee requested
that the Finance Officer, City Administrator, and the Mayor revise the policy
and bring it back to Council at the next meeting.
Consider
recommendations from Ad Hoc Room Tax Study Committee: The Finance
Committee recommended accepting the recommendation from the Ad Hoc Room Tax Study
Committee for the use of Room Tax dollars.
Bernard presented the proposed recommendations:
35% of Room
Tax revenue shall be allocated to City Tourism and Beautification, and the
Grant program.
The
remaining Room Tax revenue shall be allocated to the Tourism Bureau which will
include Chamber membership dues (65% may be higher or lower depending on
receipts).
Additional
information was shared regarding the types of expenses that would qualify for
use of the City Tourism and Beautification funds, such as: fireworks display,
holiday lighting, summer concert series, banners, flower baskets, Octagon
House, Cemetery, Miss Hudson Pageant, and the VFW.
The Grant
Program would be for any Hudson based non-profit which would promote tourism to
the City of Hudson, with special consideration given to applicants capable of
drawing large numbers of tourists along with economic impact to the city. A board of three to five members would be
established by the Mayor, along with consultation of the Tourism Bureau, to
establish an application process, advertise, and review the grant
applications. Grant applications would
be due by October 15th and awarded not later than December 1st
with funds dispersed quarterly over the calendar year. The grant amounts would not exceed $3,000.00
annually and applicants could apply yearly.
O’Malley
questioned the return on the (Room Tax) investment from the Chamber and
recommended funding the Walnut Street Bridge repairs with the Room Tax
money. He also suggested the amount
designated to the Chamber and Tourism Bureau be reduced from the 65% amount,
and that more documentation was needed from the Tourism Bureau.
Information
was shared regarding the history of the proposal, the desire not to bind future
Councils to the agreement, the “Heads in Beds” concept, the amount of summer
restaurant business downtown, and the effectiveness of the advertising efforts. MOTION by O’Malley to postpone the item for
two weeks, until the next Council meeting, when Ms. Heinemann is able to
present additional information. Mayor Knudson called for a second to the motion
three times, none was given, MOTION FAILED.
Mayor
Knudson requested the Old Business agenda item regarding the Tourism update be
heard before further discussion was held on the Room Tax Fund topic. Ms. Heinemann presented an update; the
information is noted below under the Tourism Update topic.
MOTION by
Morrissette, second by Burchill to adopt the recommendation of the Ad Hoc
Committee (for use of Room Tax revenues) as presented. Additional discussion was held regarding the
increase given for 2009, the request for additional reporting, the idea of a
performance incentive, and the Tourism Bureau’s area of expertise.
Clarification about the committee’s recommendation was given. Mayor Knudson reminded those present that the
Room Tax fund was established before the state laws changed, so the percentage requirement
does not pertain. Ayes (5), Noes (1)
O’Malley. MOTION CARRIED.
Update
on request for Hunter Hill street lights: Ron
Troyer presented information and an agreement regarding the installation of
street lights on Hunter Hill Road. He
stated the two associations will pay $2,550.00 for the Xcel Energy installation
charge of three street lights, with the understanding that the City be
responsible for the operational costs.
This method would save the City special assessment costs. MOTION by Morrissette, second by Bernard to
accept the responsibility for operational costs for the three street lights to
be installed on Hunter Hill Road. Ayes
(6) MOTION CARRIED.
Tourism
update and request for Room Tax funds for 2010 – Kim Heinemann Ms. Heinemann provided updated information since last
month, but stated she did not have attendance numbers regarding The Phipps
Center for the Arts.
She provided Tourism
information to consider as part of the City’s budgeting process, complimented
the Ad Hoc Committee’s recommendation, explained their partnerships in the
regional area, and thanked the City for their support and funding. She also requested that the Room Tax funding
amount for 2010 be 65%, and that the percentage be increased to 70% by
2011.
Ms. Heinemann detailed their
advertising efforts and increases in information sharing, and noted information
from the Wisconsin Innkeepers Association regarding lodging occupancy
statistics. She also pointed out that
the State Department of Tourism requires statistical tracking for the Spirit of
the St. Croix Days event, as they received the Joint Effort Marketing Grant
(two years in a row) for advertising and marketing outside their traditional
market. When completed, the economic
impact report will be provided to the Council.
She reminded that last year the Spirit of the St. Croix Days event
contributed an economic impact of over $330,000 to the community, and
additional information was provided in the packet.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: Mayor
Knudson announced a ceremony was held regarding the dedication of the Boy Scout
statue in Lakefront Park; with the additional park improvements being done, the
park is beautiful. Additional comments
regarding the future of the Walnut Street Bridge and a brief history of the
Hudson Toll Bridge were shared. Mayor
Knudson requested suggestions regarding commemorating the 100th
anniversary of the toll bridge.
Morrissette complimented the Water
Department for their efforts on the 11th Street improvement
project. He also acknowledged the Parks
Department for their efforts regarding the Lakefront Park improvements.
City Administrator, Devin Willi, reported
work continues on the 2010 budget.
Finance Officer, Betty Caruso, reminded the Public Works Department a DNR
representative would be at their meeting on September 22nd speaking
about storm water management.
ADJOURN: MOTION by Wyland, second by Bernard to
adjourn. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED
at 8:15 p.m.
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