CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES OF WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2006

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

Mayor Breault led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

ABSENT: Alderperson Lee Wyland.

OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Dennis Darnold, Betty Caruso, Randy Hanson, Paul Larson, Mike Kruger, Don Christoffersen, Mark Christoffersen, Holly Richmond, Dan Tjornehoj, Dick Muenich, Tim Erickson, Angela Popenhagen, Jim Eulberg, Kim Heinemann, Craig Cooper, Lynn Doucette, Richard Doucette, Kathleen Cooper, and others.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Kim Heinemann, President of the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, invited everyone to attend the annual Christmas Tour of Homes and Craft Sale November 18 and 19, 2006. She also announced that Light Up Night in downtown Hudson would be on Friday, November 24th with events from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A candlelight stroll is scheduled for December 1^st at 6:00 p.m. in the downtown area. Ms. Heinemann reported that Santa and his reindeer would be in Lakefront Park on Saturday, December 2^nd with a variety of events in the downtown area. She stated that additional information was available on the Chamber’s website.

Mayor Breault presented a plaque to Hudson Women’s Club President Holly Richmond in commemoration of the 90^th anniversary of the organization. He recognized the volunteer members and their support of many charitable, civic and patriotic projects in the community. He noted that their first meeting was held in January of 1917. Ms. Richmond also provided information about the club and their events, and she invited the public to attend their anniversary meeting on November 21, 2006.

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

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes and Closed Session minutes of 10/16/06.

Certified Survey Map for two residential lots north of Tower Road and approximately one mile east of STH 35 – Town of Troy Extraterritorial Review, Linh Tran & Thu Nguyen: Approve the proposed two lot certified survey map located in the Town of Troy, as proposed by Linh Tran and Thu Nguyen.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

Fund	Description	payables	payroll	Totals
100	General	372,068.21	251,584.83	623,653.04
410	Tax Increment Financing	18,883.43	0.00	18,883.43
450	Capital Projects	834.50	0.00	834.50
610	Sewer	69,109.59	19,369.76	88,479.35
620	Parking Utility	3,971.60	1,567.04	5,538.64
630	Ambulance	21,092.73	25,339.73	46,432.46
	TOTALS	485,960.06	297,861.36	783,821.42

Review revised position descriptions for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator and Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent positions: Approve the revised position descriptions for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator and Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent, as submitted.

Request to change parking restrictions/times on Fifth Street near Trinity School: Approve the request of Trinity Elementary School to change the parking signage on Fifth Street near the school to read:“No Parking 9:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m.”

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Place on file the Quarterly Report of the Library Director and the Community Access Board minutes of 10/24/06.

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

Master sign plan approval, F.W. Gordon/Aldi Foods, northwest quadrant of Hanley Road and Carmichael Road: denny Darnold announced the intent to allow combined signage on one sign at the F.W. Gordon/Aldi Foods development at Carmichael and Hanley Road to reduce the potential number of freestanding signs from two to one. He noted that staff and the Plan Commission recommended approval of the master sign plan with some limitations on size and height, plus a deed restriction from Aldi Foods.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve the master sign plan for the F.W. Gordon retail center and Aldi Foods, with the following conditions:

· Limited to one freestanding sign not to exceed 135 square feet of signage (one side).

· Not to exceed 30 feet in height.

· Aldi Foods to agree to a Deed restriction that will preclude Aldi Foods from developing a freestanding sign on their lot.

· Wall signage restricted per the Municipal Sign Ordinance.

All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Request for land acquisition west of River city Center, north of Buckeye Street and east of First Street – GCI Builders, Inc.: denny Darnold reviewed information from his October 23^rd memo to the Plan Commission members. He discussed three possible alternatives for the City-owned property west of the River City Center. He explained that the Plan Commission was in favor of the third option to defer consideration of the acquisition of property by GCI Builders until sufficient plans are submitted. Mr. Darnold also noted that GCI Builders had discussed alternative plans to keep their proposed building within the existing River City Center property.

MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to table the request of GCI Builders for land acquisition of property west of River City Center, pursuant to the Plan Commission’s recommendation for further consideration in 120 days or sooner. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Petition of Hudson School District to annex 41.993 acres from Town of Troy: mayor Breault explained that the usual procedure was to refer annexation requests to the Plan Commission. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell to refer to the Plan Commission the petition of the Hudson School District to annex 41.993 acres from the Town of Troy, with special consideration given to the wastewater removal needs for a school building. Radermacher questioned whether the School District would want to proceed with annexation of the land if the School Referendum was not approved at the special election in December. School Board member Dick Muenich affirmed that the School District would still request the annexation. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Elections and costs not included in the 2006 Budget: city Administrator Devin Willi discussed the costs involved for the special School District Referendum Election on December 12, 2006. He noted that, per Wisconsin Statutes, all costs related to the printing of ballots and equipment setup, plus costs for the election officials working the day of the election, would be borne by the School District. Mr. Willi stated that salary and wages for City staff members working on election management during the course of their regular workdays could not be billed back to any jurisdiction conducting a special election. It was also noted that election work takes staff time away from other duties.

Request of Mark Christoffersen (d/b/a Golf Links) for an ordinance to create a new class of beer license for his establishment at 2110 Webster Street: Attorney Munkittrick explained her analysis of a proposed ordinance that would create a new Class B beer license that could be issued to golf, tennis, curling, ski jumping or yachting businesses. She further explained the difficulty of defining who would meet the criteria and the need to separate the Golf Links’ request from the proposed ordinance consideration. Further discussion was held regarding the difficulty defining the businesses and the services they provide.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Koch to deny the request for an ordinance to create a new class of beer license in the City. Ayes (2); Noes (3) - MOTION FAILED. Golf Links owner Mark Christoffersen provided information about his facility. MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Connell, to request the City Attorney to draft an ordinance that would include simulated golf as an accepted business under Hudson Municipal Code, Chapter 145.20 B.(4)(c). MOTION AMENDED to clarify that the proposed ordinance would include the types of recreation allowed under §125.27(1) of Wisconsin Statutes; that is, golf, tennis, curling, ski jumping and yachting. Ayes (3), Noes (2), MOTION CARRIED.

Review bids submitted for Lakefront Park Wall Expansion Project: Mayor Breault announced that the Finance Committee referred this matter to the Council without a recommendation. He noted that the two bids submitted were from Northern Environmental in the amount of $214,794.50, and from W.W. Grading (Wilcoxson Grading) in the amount of $169,310.50. MOTION by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to consider the Lakefront Park Wall Expansion Project costs be included with the 2007 bond issue. Parks and Public Works Director Jim Eulberg noted that the project was included in the 2005 and 2006 bond issues and funds of $350,000 were already in place. Additional information was shared regarding the surplus funds. Mr. Eulberg stated that the Park Board recommended accepting the bid from W.W. Grading. MOTION AMENDED by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to approve the bid from W.W. Grading (Wilcoxson Grading) in the amount of $169,310.50 for the Lakefront Park Sea Wall Expansion Project. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Park Board Chairman Don Gilbert shared information from a recent Park Board meeting and proposed funding for projects. He stated that Finance Officer Betty Caruso had created a spreadsheet indicating the costs of Park projects and funding sources. She noted that the Lakefront Riverwalk Project had three components of Lighting, Park Shelter Facility, and Water and Sewer Improvements. She noted that the total was approximately $534,000, plus additional costs if safety gates were added to the proposed Park Shelter Facility. Information was provided regarding donations, bond issues, financing, and expenses for various Park projects. Mr. Gilbert called attention again to the Park Board’s decision of their Park priorities and financing options. Mayor Breault thanked Chairman Gilbert and Ms. Caruso for their reports and financial information.

Review bids submitted for Lakefront Park Beach House Residing Project:

MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to reject the bids submitted for the Lakefront Park Beach House Residing Project, due to lack of funding. All ayes, (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Application of Coop Douce Enterprises LLC for Class B beer and Class C wine license d/b/a Coops Pizza at 816 Carmichael Road: mayor Breault announced that the Finance Committee had recommended approval. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell to approve issuance of a Class B Beer license and Class C Wine License to Coop Douce Enterprises, LLC, d/b/a Coops Pizza at 816 Carmichael Road, contingent on successful completion of the required inspections by the Police, Fire and Building Inspectors, and upon surrender of the license currently held by Buddy Boyz Enterprises, LTD. Attorney Munkittrick requested that they also provide a copy of their restaurant license. MOTION AMENDED to include the contingency that they provide documentation that they are a licensed restaurant. Additional information was provided to show the surrender of the license currently issued to Buddy Boyz Enterprises LTD at the same location. Ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Review rent/lease amounts for offices in the Municipal Building, 911 Fourth Street: mayor Breault reported the Finance Committee had recommended a rate increase for rental space in the Municipal Building to $14.50 per square foot. Attorney Munkittrick noted that a portion of the building was used for Municipal Court and other City departments and it was not factored into the calculation for building expenses. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to increase the 2007 rental rates in the Municipal Building to $13.00 per square foot. Discussion included information that $13.00 would still be a favorable rate for the non-profit organizations that lease office space, and it was not feasible to operate the building at a loss. It was also noted that the tenants were on month-to-month leases and good fiscal planning was necessary due to the City’s budget constraints. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

Traffic safety issue at Crest View Drive and Heggen Street intersection: radermacher explained that the Public Safety Committee recommended approval for additional signage at the Crest View Dr./Heggen St. intersection. He reported they recommended placing another sign beneath the current yield sign, stating “To All Traffic.” MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to approve placing a “To All Traffic” sign below the yield sign at the Crest View Drive and Heggen Street intersection. Jim Eulberg noted two signs on one post would be a problem and that a yield sign was already the most restrictive traffic sign allowed. MOTION RESCINDED by O’Malley and Radermacher.

Update on Projects: BRA Engineer Angela Popenhagen reported on the progress of the Citizens State Bank site in the Ban Tara North development. She also noted that bids for the Riverwalk Park Shelter Project were received many weeks ago and must be considered at the November 20^th Council meeting in order to be legally awarded. Discussion included the possibility that a Special Council meeting could be called by Mayor Breault, after all the costs and funding issues for the project are known.

Update on installation of new computer network: IT Systems Administrator Mike Kruger provided a handoout that included information on the new parking ticket software which has been installed and is now in use. He also noted the solution is in place for excessive spam and it is being filtered from the City’s email systems. He reported that all the components for the new computer network have arrived; the room is wired and set up. He explained the number of hours necessary per week to maintain the pcs and printers for City Staff. He also presented budget scenarios for 2007. Mayor Breault stated that the budget items would be reviewed as part of the City’s entire budget process.

Request of Croix Commercial LLC for Easement Agreement to construct a sign at 2910 Enloe Street: Denny Darnold stated that an Easement Agreement would be needed to allow construction of a sign at 2910 Enloe Street. He noted that he recommended allowing Croix Commercial LLC to construct a sign within the drainage and utility easement area, contingent on execution of the Easement Agreement. He noted that they have agreed to make the sign easy to remove and have agreed that the City would retain the right to relocate the sign, if needed, at Croix Commercial’s expense. MOTION by Koch, second by O’Malley, to approve an Easement Agreement to allow Croix Commercial LLC to construct a sign at 2910 Enloe Street within a drainage and utility easement area. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

APPOINTMENT TO HUDSON AREA JOINT LIBRARY BOARD: Mayor Breault reported that Don Leslie had resigned from the Library Board and he has appointed Sarah Smith for the remainder of Mr. Leslie’s term. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to confirm Mayor Breault’s appointment of Ms. Sarah Smith, 927 Third Street, to the Hudson Area Joint Library Board, for the remainder of the term ending in December of 2007. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: Morrissette requested more information regarding the test sign in the Vine Street area that was donated by the 3M Company. Mayor Breault noted that the project is ongoing; Engineer Angela Popenhagen added that the report on the Vine Street Corridor Traffic Study would be included on the next agenda.

O’Malley thanked the public for coming out to vote at the November 7^th Election. Administrator Willi thanked the Election Inspectors for doing an excellent job, noting that there was an extremely good turnout of more than 4,100 voters in the City.

Mayor Breault read a notice from Assessor Mike Wallace regarding the status of the City’s revaluation process. He stated that the notices were mailed out November 8^th and property owners could call the Assessor’s office to make an appointment to review their assessed values with an assessor during Open Book hearings from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning November 13^th. He noted that the Board of Review was scheduled for November 28 and 29.

CLOSED SESSION pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats. to consider the request of the wastewater treatment plant superintendent for A salary adjustment: MOTION by O’Connell, second by Radermacher to convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats. to consider the request of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent for a salary adjustment. Roll call vote, All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED at 8:30 p.m.

RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION FOR POSSIBLE ACTION RE: salary adjustment for wastewater treatment plant superintendent: motion by O’Connell, second by O’Malley, to reconvene into Open Session for possible action regarding a salary adjustment for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED at 8:32 p.m.

MOTION by O’Connell, second by to O’Malley, to deny the request of Jim Schreiber for any salary increase higher than the 2½ percent approved for 2007. All ayes (5), MOTION CARRIED.

MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to adjourn at 8:33 p.m. All ayes (6). MOTION CARRIED.

Nancy 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: