CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2006

Meeting called to order by Mayor Jack Breault in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 8:00 a.m.

PRESENT: Mayor Breault and Alderpersons Randy Morrissette, Paul Radermacher, Lee Wyland, and Scot O’Malley.

ABSENT: Alderpersons Dennis O’Connell and Carah Koch.

OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Dennis Darnold, John Erickson, Randy Hanson, Tim Caruso, Pat Smith, John Garden, and others.

CONSIDER PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 16-06 ESTABLISHING A MORATORIUM ON BUILDING PERMITS, DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPROVALS, AND SUBDIVISION AND ZONING APPROVALS IN THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT AREA: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to discuss proposed Ordinance No. 16-06 establishing a Moratorium on building permits, development plan approvals, and subdivision and zoning approvals in the Downtown Business District area. All ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

Mayor Breault reviewed the summary and analysis provided by City Attorney Catherine Munkittrick, that included her opinion that Council had the authority to adopt the ordinance under §62.11(5) of Wisconsin Statutes, which indicated the City’s broad authority to act for the good order of the City and the general health, safety, and welfare of the public. It was noted that the proposed ordinance would temporarily freeze the use of the Downtown Business District area for a period of 90 days. The purpose of the moratorium would be to prohibit changes in use or exterior changes in structures in the downtown area, while Council updates and revises the zoning regulations in that area. The Plan Commission also recommended the moratorium to assure that new development is compatible with the historic character of the downtown and to protect and enhance the community’s visual and physical access to the St. Croix River.

Community Development Director Dennis Darnold stated that the City hoped to keep the moratorium as short as possible, but 90 days would be an aggressive schedule to meet. He also recommended that an architect be involved to assist with the process. Discussion included information that the moratorium would create standardized rules for all downtown parcels. It was noted that no complete development proposals were pending. Additional discussion was held regarding the length of time the moratorium would be in effect.

Mayor Breault announced the opinion from Alderperson Carah Koch, who was unable to attend the meeting. She hoped that Council would adopt the ordinance.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Ordinance 16-06. Roll call vote, all ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to adopt the following, as amended with the time period changed from ninety (90) days to one-hundred twenty (120) days from the effective date:

ORDINANCE NO. 16-06

Establishing 120-day moratorium on building permits,

Development plan approvals & subdivision/zoning approvals

In the Downtown Business District area

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

Discussion included opinions about the importance of having an architect assist with the project, and for completion of the updated Hudson Zoning Code in the shortest amount of time possible without sacrificing quality.

Pat Smith, one of the owners of the River City Center property, spoke concerning his options for development and possible tenants. He also cited his concern regarding the possible reduction in the height of buildings. He stated that GCI Builders was interested in working with the City on their development plans.

Mr. Darnold noted that discussions with GCI Builders could continue, but their project would not be considered for zoning approval during the moratorium period. Attorney Munkittrick reminded that no applications would be accepted or reviewed during the moratorium, but discussions on building standards and their effect could continue with Mr. Darnold and the Plan Commission. Roll call vote, all ayes (4), MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher to adjourn at 8:28 a.m. All ayes (4). 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 sent forth therein.

Jack D. Breault, Mayor

Date approved

by Council: