CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 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 Mike Laatsch, Paul Radermacher, Roger Riedel, and Scot O’Malley.

 

       ABSENT:  Alderpersons Dennis O’Connell and Carah Koch.

 

 

OTHERS PRESENT: Catherine Munkittrick, Devin Willi, Dennis Darnold, Dennis Christophersen, Jim Eulberg, Dick Trende, Nancy Norvold, Dan Roeglin, Betty Caruso, Matt Wash, Randy Morrissette II, Randy Hanson, Eric Christensen, Dennis Postler, Jeff Richie, Tom Harrison and Jake Steffen.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Boy Scout Jake Steffen of Troop 168.

    

     COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT:    None.

 

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

 

MINUTES: Approve the Regular Meeting minutes of 11/15/04 and the Closed Session minutes of 11/11/04.

 

certified Survey Map of outlot for stormwater pond, 1.53 acres in Heritage Greens planned planned residential development – BrightKEYS Development Corp.:  Approve the Certified Survey Map for a 1.53 acre outlot located in the Heritage Greens planned residential development, as proposed by BrightKEYS Development Corporation.

 

Certified Survey Map of outlot for private park, 0.65 acres, Heritage Greens planned residential development - Bright KEYS Development Corp.:  Approve the Certified Survey Map for a 0.65 acre outlot located in the Heritage Greens planned residential development, as proposed by BrightKEYS Development Corporation.

 

Claims:   Approve the following claims for payment:

 

Fund

Description

  PAYABLES

PAYROLL

Totals

100

General

107,892.20

234,422.98

342,315.18

310

Debt Service

43,409.10

0.00

43,409.10

410

Tax Increment Financing

243.80

0.00

243.80

450

Capital Projects

1,239.21

0.00

1,239.21

490

Biosolids

0.00

0.00

0.00

610

Sewer

13,869.79

17,956.54

31,826.33

620

Parking Utility

1,559.50

1,642.68

3,202.18

630

Ambulance

6,796.60

11,490.19

18,286.79

 

Total

$175,010.20

$265,512.39

$440,522.59

 

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Approve the issuance of Regular Operator's Licenses for the period 12/7/04 to 6/30/06 to:

  

     Rachel Lee Lang            318 144th Ave                  Houlton, WI

     Andrew August Kluck        1700 Namekagon St. #209        Hudson, WI

     Amanda Jean Riley          112 W. Cascade Ave.           River Falls, WI

     Sarita Le Meinking         440 Kennedy Street             River Falls, WI

 

And approve the issuance of Temporary Operator’s Licenses to be used Friday, December 10, 2004, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at a Big Brothers/Big Sisters event at the Phipps Center for the Arts, to the following:

 

Anastacia Irene Quinn        3670 Linden Place        White Bear Lake, MN

Jessica Bernice Neidermire   559 High Ridge Dr.      Hudson, WI

    

Consider ordering two new squad cars for Police Department.  Approve ordering two 2005 Crown Victoria squad cars for the Police Department at $20,581.30 each from Dave Holt Ford, Hudson, WI, to be funded by the 2005 Police Department budget.

 

 

St. Croix E.M.S. write-offs:  Approve the St. Croix E.M.S. write-offs, in the amount of $5,579.89, as recommended by LifeQuest, following Phase III of their collection procedures.

 

Updated job description for E.M.S. Records/Account Clerk position:  Approve the EMS Clerk-Records/Account Clerk II job description, as revised.  (Knowledge of an EMSS software system was removed from the “requirement” section of the job description by the Finance Committee.)

 

Application of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northwestern WI for Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to sell beer and wine from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, December 10, 2004 in the River Room of the Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust Street:  Approve the issuance of a Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin to sell beer and wine from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, December 10, 2004 in the River Room of the Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust Street, Hudson, WI.

 

 Dutch Elm Report:   Accept and place on file the 2004 Dutch Elm Report, as submitted.

 

 2005 Service Charge Rates:  Approve the 2005 Public Works Service Charge             Rate increases of approximately 7.5% for equipment and 5% for labor, as submitted (and attached).

 

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS:  To place on file the quarterly reports of the Public Works Supt./Engineer and Wastewater Superintendent, the Library Board minutes of 11/8/04, St. Croix E.M.S. Commission minutes of 11/15/04, and the Community Access Board minutes of 10/26/04.

 

Roll call vote, all ayes (4) – MOTION CARRIED.

 

 

 

Final Development Plans for River Ridge Business Park (Phase II, nine office buildings) and 3,200 square foot office building south of Hosford Street – Footwedge Partners/River Ridge, LLP:  Dennis Darnold reviewed the building and site plans for Phase II, nine office buildings in the River Ridge Business Park.  He explained that they also requested approval for building number one in the southwest corner of the proposed site.  Mr. Darnold reported that the Plan Commission recommended approval of the plans and landscaping as revised, with the condition that the plans be amended per the City Engineer’s recommendations, abandonment of an existing stormwater easement, and reestablishing a 30-foot easement with the alignment of the relocated stormwater main. 

 

Questions were raised regarding the architectural style of the buildings to be built in the future.  Mr. Darnold reported that the buildings would be similar in style but would be different in size.  He also reviewed the concerns of Fire Inspector Dave Krupich regarding a water sprinkler system.   He noted that while sprinklers were not a required code item for this type of building, he recommended that in lieu of a sprinkler system, a concrete floor be constructed on the second floor of the structure.  Mr. Krupich reported that a verbal agreement of his request has been made with the developer. 

 

MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the final development plans and revised landscape plans of Footwedge Partners/River Ridge, LLP for Phase II of River Ridge Business Park, and a 3,200 square foot office building (number 1) on the south side of Hosford Street, with the following conditions:

 

1.               The plans are revised per the City Engineer’s recommendations.

2.               Fire Department review of the hydrant locations and the southwest

and southeast corners of the site.

3.               Utilities per the approved phasing plan.

4.               Utility easements for the stormwater main to be abandoned and

a 30-foot easement reestablished per the proposed main location.

5.   A concrete floor is installed on the second level of the building.

 

All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Final Development Plans for Rivercity Collision Centre, 24,920 square foot auto collision center at 3011 Harvey Street, Lot 29 in St. Croix Business Park First Addition, west of Rock Street and north of Harvey Street – Haase Investments:  Dennis Darnold reported that the aesthetics for the auto collision center need to be given high priority.  He noted that a screened area would be provided for the vehicles.  Mr. Darnold stated that the Plan Commission recommended approval, with the owner responsible for restoration of the street.  MOTION by Riedel, second by O’Malley, to approve the final development plans for the Rivercity Collision Centre, a 24,920 square foot auto collision center at 3011 Harvey Street, Lot 29 in St. Croix Business Park First Addition, west of Rock Street and north of Harvey Street, as proposed by Haase Investments, with the following conditions:

 

1.               Plans to be revised per the City Engineer’s recommendations.

 

2.               A letter of credit for $9,800 be provided to the City to assure

restoration of grading and retaining wall construction within the

stormwater easement area and to assure repairs to street, curb, gutter, and boulevard within Rock Street for the construction of driveway access and cost of City inspections.

 

3.               Haase Investments to enter into an agreement that the property owner is responsible for the site improvements if the City must conduct repairs to the stormwater main within the easement.

 

4.               Submit to the Community Development Director revised landscape plans providing for additional trees on the south side of the stormwater ponding area.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

Nextel communication antennas and equipment building at Wisconsin Street water tower – Hudson Water Utility/Nextel CommunicatIONS:  Dennis Darnold explained that the eight-foot high antennas would be arranged in a 120-degree circular area on top of the water tower.  He noted that the equipment storage building would be 14 by 22 feet erected at the Wisconsin Street water tower site through a land lease agreement.  Mr. Darnold stated that the Plan Commission recommended approval of the development plans for the antennas and the building.   He pointed out that the Plan Commission was involved in such projects as a type of checks and balance for the City to assure that the amenities are completed according to City specifications.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to approve the development plans of Nextel Communications for twelve communication antennas and a 14 by 22 foot equipment shelter to be located at the Wisconsin Street water tower property.  Discussion was held regarding the land lease agreement and the charges involved.  All ayes – MOTION CARRIED.  

 

Land Lease Agreement with Nextel for communications antennas and equipment building AT WISCONSIN Street water tower site:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to approve the Land Lease Agreement with Nextel for 12 antennas and a 14 by 22 foot equipment shelter at the Wisconsin Street water tower site.  It was noted in discussion that initially 9 antennas would be erected on the water tower.  Radermacher voiced concern for the monthly rent amount, but he noted that it appeared to be consistent with other carriers.  Attorney Munkittrick confirmed that the lease included a one-year notice for termination, if a future Council should decide that the lease was not a feasible, working situation.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED. 

 

Final Development Plans for warehouse and office facility on Lot 27 in St. Croix Business Park – Dean Hanson:   Dennis Darnold noted that he and the Plan Commission recommended approval, with certain conditions.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the final development plans proposed by Dean Hanson for a 73,166 square foot office/warehouse facility at 2911 Harvey Street, Lot 27 in St. Croix Business Park First Addition, with the following conditions:

 

1.               Plans to be amended per the City Engineer’s recommendations.

 

2.               The berm on the north side of Harvey Street to be reestablished per

the concept plan approval.

3.               A letter of credit is provided to the City in the amount of $7,150

to assure the restoration of disrepair to street, curb, gutter, and

boulevard areas of Harvey Street for the driveway access, storm sewer

connection, and City inspections.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

Request of Jeffrey and Jo Richie to vacate portions of Eighth Street and Walnut Street  – Resolution No. 16-04:  Dennis Darnold recommended that a first reading of the Resolution be conducted, because of the requirement for a Class III notice of a Public Hearing for vacating portions of the streets.  Mr. Darnold stated that he did not foresee any use for the platted right-of-way in the future.   MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to conduct a first reading on Resolution No. 16-04, and direct that the Public Hearing be scheduled for Monday, February 7, 2005 at 6:55 p.m.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

Onyx Waste Services route changes and 2005 information pamphlet:  tom Harrison of Onyx Waste Services was present to review the changes in route days and times, and to discuss the informational pamphlet that will be mailed to the customers.  He noted that there would be changes for the pickups in alleys, and those property owners would also be notified.  Mr. Harrison noted that the changes primarily affect residents in Aldermanic Districts 1, 2 and 5.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to approve the route changes for Onyx Waste Services, as submitted, and the customer informational pamphlet that will be distributed by Onyx in late December.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Walnut Street Bridge (dike road) Repair Project:  Public Works Committee Chairperson O’Malley explained that the bridge is in great need of repair, and particularly the decking, due to the effects of the high water on the bituminous surface.  He noted that if the City moved ahead on the project, the DOT would presumably cover 80% of the costs if certain deadlines are met and completion is by July of 2007.  O’Malley reported that the Public Works Committee recommended further investigation, with the bridge becoming a 2006 Capital Project with completion in 2007.  Dennis Postler reaffirmed that the primary repair needed was the redecking of the surface.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to proceed with the Walnut Street Bridge Repair Project on WIS DOT’s Rehabilitation Program, and to authorize an engineering study of the improvement needs and designs for the bridge, and to further review the funding.  All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.

 

                Consider applying Croixland Properties refund to delinquent Personal Property Taxes:  finance Officer Betty Caruso provided an information sheet that explained that upon annexation, the City had collected deferred assessments of $24,400.20 from the hospital and the Hoel property.  Per a 1989 Development Agreement, the assessments collected would be due to Croixland Properties.  Ms. Caruso noted, however, that Croixland Properties owes the City for delinquent personal property taxes from 1999 through 2001 in the amount of $21,104.12, including interest through July of 2001.  She reported that Attorney Munkittrick had contacted Croix land’s Attorney Bob Mudge, and they concluded that permission should be sought from both parties involved to apply the amount due Croixland against their delinquent personal property taxes, leaving a balance due to Croixland of $3,296.08.

 

     MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to authorize Betty Caruso to proceed with negotiations with Croixland Properties regarding the use of credits from repayment of assessments against their existing debt.    MOTION CARRIED.

 

UPDATE ON PROJECTS:  Dennis Postler reviewed various construction projects and called attention to the 1996 DOT agreement for operation and maintenance of the I-94/Carmichael Road traffic signals.  Jim Eulberg reported that they are awaiting the delivery of the new signposts and recommendations from 3M regarding striping of the lanes for the Crest View Drive triple left turn lane at Carmichael Road.  He anticipated the work should be completed in the spring.

 

 Consider Resolution petitioning Wisconsin Legislature to amend Absentee Voting laws – RESOLUTION No. 15-04:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Riedel, to suspend the rules toward adoption of Resolution No. 15-04.  MOTION CARRIED.  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Riedel, to adopt the following:

 

RESOLUTION NO. 15-04

PETITIONING STATE LEGISLATURE TO AMEND ABSENTEE VOTING LAWS

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

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

Authorize the Mayor, City Administrator and Finance Officer to review the payables for the remainder of December and issue timely payments, as necessary:  since the Common Council will not be meeting at their regular time on December 20th, some vouchers will need to be paid prior to the January 3, 2005 Council meeting.  MOTION by Radermacher, second by Laatsch, to authorize the Mayor, City Administrator and Finance Officer to approve payment of any 2004 December voucher payments that cannot be delayed until the January 3rd Council meeting.

 

     COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MAYOR:  Mayor Breault wished the Council members and residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  He thanked the City employees for making the City of Hudson the best.

 

     COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS:   Radermacher suggested inviting Richard Rosen of the DNR to speak to the Council regarding the number of deer in the City and possible measures for eradicating the deer population.

 

     Mayor Breault and O’Malley noted Clerk Pat Dotseth’s retirement and offered thanks for her 15 years of dedication to the City.

 

     Parks Superintendent Dan Roeglin stated that at a later date he would provide information on the Capital Projects and Improvements as proposed by the Park Board.

 

CLOSED SESSION pursuant to §19.85(1) (c), Wis. Stats. to consider 2005 wage adjustments for non-represented City employees, and pursuant to § 19.85 (1)(e), Wis. Stats., to discuss the City’s bargaining position for pending Clerical and Public Works employee union contract negotiations:  MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to convene into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1)(c), Wis. Stats. to consider 2005 wage adjustments for non-represented City employees, and pursuant to § 19.85 (1)(e), Wis. Stats., to discuss the City’s bargaining position for pending Clerical and Public Works employee union contract negotiations.  Roll call vote, all ayes, MOTION CARRIED – 7:55 p.m.

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

reConvene in Open Session:  MOTION by O’Malley, second by Riedel, to reconvene in Open Session for possible action re: City’s bargaining position for pending union contract negotiations and 2005 wage adjustments for non-represented City employees.  All ayes, 4 to 0, MOTION CARRIED – 8:18 p.m.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to increase Public Works Supt./Engineer Jim Eulberg’s salary from $59,500 to $62,500 beginning 1/1/05.  Ayes, 4 to 0, MOTION CARRIED.

 

MOTION by O’Malley, second by Laatsch, to approve a 3% salary increase to non-represented employees for 2005.  Vote taken:  Ayes 4 to 0 – MOTION CARRIED.

 

MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to adjourn the meeting.  Meeting adjourned at 8:21 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: