CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2004

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

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

ABSENT: Alderperson Mike Laatsch.

OTHERS PRESENT: Catherine Munkittrick, Devin Willi, Jim Frye, Mike Wallace, Betty Caruso, Dennis Postler, Bob Benoy, Sandy Eddy, Pat Hodges, Wayne Blackbrenner, Lynn Cincotta, and others.

PROCLAMATION FOR RED RIBBON WEEK: Mayor Breault called attention to Red Ribbon Week and called upon students Nicole Allegro, Billy Scholz and Heather Scholz to read the proclamation.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: None.

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

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 10/4/04.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

Fund	Description	payables	payroll	Totals
100	General	63,215.04	110,008.21	173,223.25
231	SCBP-RVL Loan	297.00	0.00	297.00
410	Tax Increment Financing	297.80	0.00	297.80
450	Capital Projects	100,587.61	0.00	100,587.61
610	Sewer	15,796.08	8,286.70	24,082.78
620	Parking Utility	144,061.29	792.86	144,854.15
630	Ambulance	2,823.36	1,850.01	4,673.37
860	Tax Agency	672.97	0.00	672.97
	Totals	$327,751.15	$120,937.78	$448,688.93

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Approve the issuance of a Regular Operator’s License for the period 10/19/04 to 6/30/06 to:

Katherine Maria Pitcock 637 13^th St., Apt. 31 Hudson, WI

Fuel bids for the period 10/19/04 to 8/31/05: Approve the RFD delivery bid of Consolidated Energy Co-op to furnish diesel oil and no-lead gasoline to the City for the period 10/19/04 through 8/31/05.

Election worker wage increases for 2005 Budget: Approve the Election Worker wage increases effective 1/1/05 as follows:

Election Inspectors $8.50 per hour

Chief Election Inspector $9.50 per hour

Assistant Chief Inspector $9.00 per hour

Request for “No Parking” on Sixth Street north of Vine Street: Approve extending the yellow painted curb (indicating no parking) by one additional car length on both sides of Sixth Street north of Vine Street.

Request for crosswalk and handicapped ramp on Nye Street at Summer Street: Approve the installation of a painted crosswalk at Nye and Summer Street during 2004, and a handicapped ramp to be installed in 2005.

Hudson Hockey Association Hat Trick 5K Running Race: Approve the Hudson Hockey Association Hat Trick 5K Running Race to be held Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 9:00 a.m., with the start of the race to begin at the Hudson Sports and Civic Center, 1820 Hanley Road, and continue on streets south of I-94, with the finish on Industrial Street.

Red Ribbon Week 5K Walk: Approve the Red Ribbon Week 5K Walk to be held Saturday, October 23, 2004 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with the start and finish of the race at the Hudson High School parking lot.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: To place on file the quarterly reports of the Building Inspector and Fire Chief and the Public Utility Commission minutes of 10/12/04.

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

Zone C Permit Parking on Fourth Street near Willow River Elementary School – Ordinance No. 13-04: motion by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to bring back to the table the motion regarding Ordinance No. 12-04, adding Article III, Residential Parking Permit System, to Chapter 235 of Municipal Code, and place it on the agenda for reconsideration. Discussion was involved with the proposed changes prepared by Attorney Munkittrick, and she explained the mostly housekeeping revisions and the reasons for her recommendations. Ms. Munkittrick also noted that Police Sgt. Marty Jensen had suggested that the permits be used on a six-month trial period, and agreed that Zone C be eliminated. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to consider amending Chapter 235, Article III, with the recommended revisions as prepared by Attorney Munkittrick. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Bob Benoy, representing the Hudson School District, commented that the parking area on Fourth Street has been utilized by teachers for almost 85 years, and changing it to Residential Permit Parking would force teachers and parents to park on other streets. He noted that even though the City has offered the use of the Municipal Building parking lot at Fourth and Myrtle Street, this would present difficulties to some teachers carrying many items to class. He also addressed the Cinder Lot area and stated that school programs would be affected if it were turned into a parking lot. Mr. Benoy urged the Council to not include Zone C in the Residential Parking Permit system.

Several other teachers, parents and the Willow River Elementary School Principal appeared, noting various problems that they believed would ensue if Zone C were incorporated. Sandy Eddy of 1119 Fourth Street stated that function was the key concern, noting that 70 people are employed at the school and most vehicles are parked for six to eight hours at a time. She also noted that the Bethel Lutheran Church has graciously given permission to use their parking lot, however, it does not appear to be used by anyone in any great amount. She pointed out that alleys are not a parking option and are not feasible. Ms. Eddy particularly noted that on-street parking would be a great courtesy to the many volunteers that come to work at the school. School Principal Pat Hodges noted that one of the major problems for teachers was carrying materials to the school from their cars. Establishing Zone C would create a loss of 13 parking places for use by the public.

Discussion digressed to ownership of the street. It was noted that streets are public areas, not essentially owned by the homeowners. Attorney Munkittrick pointed out that, as homeowners do not own the streets, classifications for parking spaces are generally based on the public good.

Discussion turned to the school crosswalks, their location, and signage directing parents to drop off and pick up students on Oak Street. Other comments were offered regarding the fact that some parking spaces always seem to be available, and there is not total gridlock in the area. O’Connell stated that he has delivered mail in that area for three years and he has never found a problem in finding parking spaces, particularly at Fourth and Oak Streets. MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Connell, to remove Zone C from Chapter 235-40. It was noted in discussion that the Public Safety Committee originally had not recommended including Zone C, as they believed it was not analogous to the problem. Ayes 4; O’Malley abstained. MOTION CARRIED. Attorney Munkittrick reported that she would prepare the revised Ordinance 13-04 for adoption at the next Council meeting to be held Wednesday, November 3, 2004.

2005-06 Assessment Maintenance and Revaluation Contracts: Assessor Mike Wallace reviewed the need for a complete revaluation of the City of Hudson assessments and for maintenance of the records. He noted that there are timing advantages to beginning the revaluation process in the fall of 2005 and also cost savings. Mr. Wallace pointed out that the contract with Bowmar Appraisal Service would provide the necessary updates for the City as well as continuing with general assessment roll maintenance. He reported that Bowmar has served the City since 1988, and he recommended consideration of their contract.

Mayor Breault suggested including Mr. Wallace’s comments in a letter that could be presented to the property owners by the Bowmar appraisal contacts, to assist the public in understanding the process. Discussion was held regarding whether the City should require bids from other appraisers. Mr. Wallace expressed concern that other appraisers would not be familiar enough with the City to provide the quality of product that he believed Bowmar has given the City in the past. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to accept the contract with Bowmar Appraisal Service for 2005-06 Revaluation and Assessment Maintenance. Ayes, (5) – MOTION CARRIED.

Discussion re: consider billing property owners for fire calls: Council believed that the Joint Fire Board should review the matter further and make a recommendation. No action was taken.

Consider purchase and determine funding for portable pedestrian crosswalk signs: Public Safety Committee Chairperson Dennis O’Connell reported that the Committee had requested more portable pedestrian crossing signs. MOTION by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to direct that four additional portable pedestrian crosswalk signs be purchased at a maximum cost of $1,000 each, with funding to be determined. MOTION CARRIED.

Consider reducing speed limit on Stageline Road: Public Works Superintendent/Engineer Jim Eulberg presented this item, due to the request from the Town of Hudson for the City to reduce the speed limit on the City’s segments of Stageline Road. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to direct that the speed limit on the City’s portion of Stageline Road between Carmichael Road and STH 35 be lowered from 45 to 35 miles per hour, contingent upon approval from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

UPDATE ON PROJECTS: Engineer Dennis Postler reported that the Carmichael Road/Vine Street Turn Signal Project and the First Street Parking Project have received many favorable comments. Following discussions by Mayor Breault and the Council on continual problems with the Carmichael/I-94 Interchange traffic signals, he noted that he would be speaking with the DOT regarding the synchronization of the signals. He also noted that sidewalks and pathways are supposed to be constructed in the Heritage Greens subdivision, however, the developer has not responded to the timeline that was anticipated. Mr. Postler’s written report was placed on file.

Amended Joint Library Agreement: Attorney Catherine Munkittrick provided a brief review of recommended changes to the Joint Library Agreement. Discussion was held regarding the funding. Ms. Munkittrick explained that if the St. Croix County tax levy increased, the Joint Library rate would go up; and if the County tax levy went down, the same would happen. Radermacher brought forth discussion on whether or not the Joint Library Board should have the flexibility to adjust the rate. MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to accept the Amended Joint Library Agreement with the recommendations as prepared by Attorney Munkittrick. Ayes: (3) Radermacher, Riedel and O’Malley; Noes: (2) Koch and O’Connell. MOTION CARRIED.

Consider vacating the west 33 feet of Rock Street right-of-way between Harvey Street and Enloe Street in St. Croix Business Park – Resolution No. 7-04: it was noted that the first reading on the Resolution was held on August 2^nd, and all the necessary documents have been provided. MOTION by Koch, second by O’Malley, to adopt the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 7-04

Vacating a portion of Rock Street right-of-way in St. Croix Business Park

(Copy on file in Clerk’s office and attached)

All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: Clerk Dotseth reminded the Council of the special dates for City of Hudson voter registration on Thursday, October 21^st from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 23^rd from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Council determined that the next meeting would be held on Wednesday, November 3^rd in order to accommodate the November 2^nd election, with City Hall used as one of the polling places.

Administrator Willi stated he would be sending out information on health insurance options soon.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.

Patricia A. Dotseth, 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

Date approved

by Council: