city of hudson common council meeting

minutes of monday, november 7, 2005

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 Mike Laatsch, Dennis O’Connell, Paul Radermacher, Roger Riedel, Scot O’Malley, and Carah Koch.

OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Dennis Darnold, Randy Hanson, Angela Popenhagen, Dick Trende, Eric Christensen, Jim Frye, Jim Eulberg, Curt Weese, Marion Shaw, Brian Hinz, and others.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Curt Weese spoke to Council about his concern for the unresolved issue regarding the complaint filed with the Police Chief. He stated that he believed more than enough time had passed since the complaint was filed to have it resolved. Marion Shaw stated he was in agreement with Mr. Weese’s comments. He reviewed a list of dates and events that led up to the filing of the formal complaint. They asked that appropriate action be taken to resolve the complaint. Mayor Breault thanked them for their comments and noted that the item was not on the agenda. He stated that they would be kept updated.

CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION by O’Connell, second by Koch, to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 10/17/05.

Certified survey map, 0.46 acre commercial lot south of Webster Street, east of Industrial Street – Paul Korn: Approve the certified survey map creating a new lot west of the A-1 Archery facility, contingent on the following conditions:

· Prior to recording of the CSM, the primate sanitary sewer and water utility laterals are to be constructed per City of Hudson standards, or providing a Letter of Credit in the amount of 125% of the installation of utility laterals and street, curb and gutter, and boulevard restoration.

· Amend the proposed CSM to include ten (10) feet wide utility and drainage easements on the north and south ten feet, and five (5) feet wide utility and drainage easements on the west and east five feet of the proposed lot.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

Fund	Description	payables	payroll	Totals
100	General	237,122.69	243,988.42	481,111.11
230	Wisc DVL/RVL	216.00	0.00	216.00
280	Park Donations	47,280.00	0.00	47,280.00
330	2001 "B" Bonds	470.02	0.00	470.02
410	Tax Increment Financing	140.00	0.00	140.00
450	Capital Projects	250,409.19	0.00	250,409.19
610	Sewer	133,249.19	19,600.70	152,849.89
620	Parking Utility	505.64	1,581.02	2,086.66
630	Ambulance	10,390.62	21,252.08	31,642.70
870	SCBP	0.43	0.00	0.43
	Totals	$679,783.78	$286,422.22	$966,206.00

Applications for Operators Licenses: Approve the issuance of a Regular Operator’s License for the period 11/8/05 to 6/30/07 to:

Renell G. Pagel 804 Vine Street Hudson, WI

Parking issues on Aspen Drive: Deny the request of Kelly Mahler, 1409 Tall Grass, to restrict parking on the mailbox side of Aspen Drive.

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: To place on file the Quarterly Reports of the City Clerk, Library Director, and the Community Access Board minutes of 10/25/05, Advisory Joint Fire Board minutes of 9/26/05, and the Zoning & Building Board of Appeals minutes of 6/29/05.

Roll call vote, all ayes (6) – MOTION CARRIED.

Final development plans for Prairie Pointe Professional Centre, 15,300 square foot office facility at 1003 Crest View Drive, south of Crest View Drive and west of Heggen Street – Prairie Partners of Hudson, LLC: Dennis Darnold explained that the Plan Commission recommended approval of the final development plans, with revisions as recommended by the City Engineer and Fire Inspector. He noted that the first floor elevation would remain at 825.5 feet msl and a letter of credit would be required.

Brian Heinz provided information regarding the 15,300 square foot office facility. He described the building and stated there would be extensive prairie landscaping as well. MOTION by Radermacher, second by Riedel, to approve the final development plans for Prairie Pointe Professional Centre, 1003 Crest View Drive, as proposed by Prairie Pointe Partners, with revisions per the City Engineer and Fire Inspector’s comments, the first floor elevation to be retained at 825.5 feet msl, and the developer required to provide a Letter of Credit in the amount of $12,075 to assure street and boulevard restoration. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Application of Bordenave Land Holdings, LLC for Class B Beer and Class C Wine license d/b/a Bricks Neapolitan Pizza at 407 Second Street: Mayor Breault explained that the Finance Committee recommended postponing this item until the November 21^st meeting. He stated that the parking agreement needs to be reviewed before any further action is taken.

Consider request for salary increases for Fire Department Officers: Mayor Breault reported that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the salary increases for the Fire Department officers, as requested. MOTION by O’Connell, second by Radermacher, to approve the 2006 salaries for the Fire Department Officers, as submitted (attached). Mayor Breault directed the City Administrator include the funds of approximately $4,000 in the 2006 Budget. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Consider adding an extra week for Fall Leaf Collection Program: mayor Breault announced that it seemed necessary to add an additional week to the Fall Leaf Collection Program. Public Works Director Jim Eulberg stated that it could cost up to $2,750, including labor, and possibly less. It was noted that the tonnage of leaves collected was lower than usual, so far. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell to extend the Fall Leaf Collection Program for an additional week through Saturday, November 12^th at 4:00 p.m. Radermacher inquired whether the dates could be extended longer than one additional week. MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to include that the Director of Public Works and Parks and City Staff review the situation and determine whether an additional week beyond November 12^th would be needed, and not to exceed $4,000. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Alderperson O’Connell left the meeting at 7:25 p.m.

Request for Loading Zone on Locust Street: Radermacher explained the request from Micklesen’s Drug store to have two parking spaces on Locust Street as 15-minute spaces for use by customers coming to pick up their prescriptions. He stated that the Public Safety Committee recommended approval. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to approve two 15-minute parking spaces on the south side of Locust Street, closest to Second Street. O’Malley requested the Police Department to monitor the situation to assure that only pharmacy customers are using the parking spaces. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Proposal for Traffic Tamers Program: radermacher reported on the concept of a Traffic Tamers Program whereby citizens would be trained to use a radar gun to monitor traffic on specific streets, record vehicle counts, and speeds. He stated that if a vehicle traveled over a specific speed limit, a warning letter would be sent by the Police Department to the registered owner of the vehicle. He stated that the Public Safety Committee recommended approval of the program and noted there would be no cost to the City. The program would be managed by an officer appointed by Chief Trende. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve the creation of a Police Department Traffic Tamers Program. In discussion, Mayor Breault requested a review of the program in three months. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Proposal for Police Internship Program: radermacher explained the proposal for implementing an Internship Program in the Police Department and noted that the Public Safety Committee recommended adopting the program for one candidate. The intern could provide assistance with the Traffic Tamer Program, check on junked vehicles, and learn other Police duties. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Riedel, to approve the creation of a Police Department Internship Program for no more than two candidates. During discussion it was noted that there would be no cost to the City and the interns would be college students. MOTION AMENDED by O’Malley, second by Riedel, to include the requirement for a review of the Internship Program at the end of the college semester. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

boat Mooring Policy and 2006 Boat Mooring fees: jim Eulberg reported that following review, the Park Board recommended changes to the Boat Mooring Policy and the Boat Mooring Fees for 2006. He noted that some wording was changed from Parks Superintendent to Parks Director, and the charge for temporary use of a mooring was changed from $1.00 to $4.00 per day, to reflect the actual costs to the City. He stated that the Park Board also recommended changing the mooring fee to $500 for 2006, an increase of $108 from the 2005 rate. Mr. Eulberg explained the wording that was added regarding boat slips being vacant for more than two consecutive weeks after June 1^st. He noted that if the permit holders do not notify the Parks Department with written explanation of the vacancies, they would be notified by certified mail that their permit would be null and void unless put into use by the designated permit holder within 5 days. Discussion was held concerning the waiting list of 25 to 30 persons who are seeking mooring slip permits. Mr. Eulberg reported that they would be actively monitoring the usage and the expenses in order to calculate an accurate fee for next year. MOTION by Radermacher, second by Riedel to approve the changes to the Boat Mooring Policy as submitted (attached) and to approve increasing the Sailboat Mooring Fee to $500 for 2006. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Update on projects: Engineer Angela Popenhagen reported that the Grandview Park Parking Lot project was completed with the curb and base course of pavement. She noted that the final asphalt and markings would need to be applied in the spring. The Willow River Slope Stabilization was started on November 7^th and should be finished within three days. She stated that the demolition was completed on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Tank Repairs; the patching will be replaced on the walls, and the project should be finished by November 11^th. Ms. Popenhagen explained that the private developments have completed as much as possible this season. She reported that the traffic signal poles were installed in the Ban Tara area and should be operational the week of November 11^th.

Riedel questioned the storm sewer problems on Fourth and Fifth Streets and on Aldrich. Ms. Popenhagen responded that the proposal with project approach and scope of work, including costs, would be submitted very soon.

Changes to Fire Service Contracts recommended by the Hudson Area Joint Fire Board: fire Chief Jim Frye presented information regarding the Joint Fire Board’s recommendations for changes to the Fire Service Contracts. He noted that they would like the negotiation time to be on or before June 30^th. Chief Frye noted that under section 5, Inspections, the Fire Chief shall certify the completed inspections to the Clerks, not the Fire Inspector. Attorney Munkittrick noted that change. MOTION by Riedel, second by Laatsch, to approve the changes to the Fire Service Contracts, as submitted. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

Preliminary review of proposed 2006 Budget: Mayor Breault stated that the proposed 2006 Budget was distributed to Council members for their review. He stated that if they had any questions, they could be addressed before the Public Hearing on the Budget. He complimented Administrator Willi for an outstanding job preparing the budget. O’Malley questioned the change in revenues from the Building Inspector. Mr. Willi responded that this has historically been a conservative estimate, and a compromise amount was reached. Mayor Breault added that $50,000 had been set-aside for the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and it was already included elsewhere in the Budget. He requested that amount be placed in the Contingency Fund instead. Discussion was held regarding the mill rate. Mr. Willi asked that anyone with questions contact him before the November 21^st Public Hearing on the Budget.

Consider amending street name from Bittersweet Drive to Center Drive – Resolution No. 20-05: Dennis Darnold reported on the Plan Commission’s recommendation to change the street name of Bittersweet Drive to Center Drive. He stated that this would provide consistency to the street name, and currently there were no facilities using a Bittersweet Drive address. He stated that he and Attorney Munkittrick recommended a first reading. MOTION by Koch, second by O’Malley, to conduct a first reading on Resolution No. 20-05. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: Mayor Breault announced that the Stillwater Bridge had been reopened to traffic earlier in the evening. He stated that the changes to the City’s signal lights improved the traffic flow and worked out well during the three-month closing of the bridge.

Administrator Willi provided an update from the Strategy1 Consultants; he asked Council members to review the report. He reported that the Purchase Order System would be implemented, but not until February, per the Finance Officer’s request. Strategy1 is preparing an implementation plan for the system. He also presented a preliminary draft of a job description for the IT position. Mr. Willi asked Council members to review the document and provide him with their questions, concerns, or suggestions. He noted the item would be on the November 21^st Council agenda.

Dennis Darnold inquired whether anyone had comments to be passed along to the Wisconsin DOT representatives regarding the new roundabout at Highway 35 and Hanley Road. It was noted that additional signage might be needed, but the intersection seems to be working well for truck traffic.

CLOSED SESSION pursuant to §19.85 (1)(c), Wis. Stats. to discuss 2006 wage adjustments for non-represented employees and St. Croix E.M.S. personnel proposal for 2006: motion by O’Malley, second by Riedel, to convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85 (1)(c), Wis. Stats. to discuss 2006 wage adjustments for non-represented employees and St. Croix E.M.S. personnel proposal for 2006. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED – 7:55 p.m.

Reconvene into Open Session for possible action re: 2006 wage adjustments for non-represented employees and St. Croix E.M.S. personnel proposal for 2006: motion by Koch, second by O’Malley, to reconvene into Open Session for possible action re: 2006 wage adjustments for non-represented employees and St. Croix E.M.S. personnel proposal for 2006. All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED – 8:23 p.m.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to approve the 2006 wages for Jan Doonan to $19.09 per hour beginning 1/1/06. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the St. Croix EMS Records/Account Clerk II position as a fulltime position beginning 1/1/06. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to approve a 2.5% salary increase 2006 for all non-represented employees, other than Jan Doonan. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Radermacher, to approve an additional 1% salary increase for Dennis Darnold. MOTION FAILED for lack of a second. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch to postpone action on creation of a new EMS Operations Supervisor position and changing the EMS Chief’s job duties until two full and complete job descriptions are submitted for review and approval, and to update the EMS Clerk’s job description reflecting the new duties for 2006. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to adjourn the meeting. All ayes. MOTION CARRIED. Meeting adjourned at 8:27 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