city of hudson common council meeting
minutes of monday, december 7, 2009
Meeting called to order by
Mayor Dean Knudson in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Knudson led those present in the Pledge
of Allegiance.
PRESENT: Mayor Knudson and Alderpersons Randy
Morrissette, Pam Brokaw, Lori Bernard, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley and Alan
Burchill.
OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Betty
Caruso, Marty Jensen, Denny Darnold, Tom Zeuli, Gordon Conard, Randy Hanson,
Mary Yacoub, Chuck Schwartz, Dan Ortner, Yvonne Larsen, Priscilla Wyeth, Dan
Gavin, Roy and Lana Sjoberg, Dick Grekoff, Dick Stout, Mary Davis, Dolly Qualls,
Paul Gerrard, and others.
COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Mayor Knudson called for
comments and suggestions three times, none were given.
CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION by Morrissette, second by Wyland to
approve the following Consent Agenda items:
MINUTES: Approve the Public Hearing and Regular meeting minutes
of 11/16/09.
Claims: Approve the following
claims for payment:
|
FUND |
DESCRIPTION |
PAYABLES |
PAYROLL |
TOTALS |
|
100 |
General |
101,754.54 |
206,945.93 |
308,700.47 |
|
310 |
Debt Service |
43,409.10 |
0.00 |
43,409.10 |
|
350 |
Special Assessments |
172.50 |
0.00 |
172.50 |
|
450 |
Capital Projects |
6,949.87 |
0.00 |
6,949.87 |
|
610 |
Sewer |
22,392.73 |
10,888.07 |
33,280.80 |
|
620 |
Parking |
1,774.71 |
1,108.98 |
2,883.69 |
|
630 |
Ambulance |
4,599.23 |
24,340.17 |
28,939.40 |
|
|
Totals |
181,052.68 |
243,283.15 |
424,335.83 |
Applications for Secondhand Jewelry
Dealer’s licenses: Approve the renewal and issuance of
Secondhand Jewelry Dealer’s Licenses to: Robert Madson, 745 10th St.
N., d/b/a Elizabeth’s Fine Jewelry at 2117 Coulee Road;
Cindy Sieradski, 118
Bridgewater Trail, d/b/a Harlen’s Haven at 1810 Crest View Drive, plus a
Secondhand Article Dealer’s License;
and J.R. Haubrich (Roy & Julie Leek), 1202 Grandview Drive, d/b/a J.R.
Haubrich Jewelers, 210 Locust Street.
Application
of Daniel Erickson d/b/a Fabulous Finds for Secondhand Article Dealer’s License
and Secondhand Jewelry Dealer’s License: Approve
the issuance of a Secondhand Article Dealer’s License and Secondhand Jewelry
Dealer’s License to Daniel Erickson, 134 Dunberry Pass, d/b/a Fabulous Finds at
524 Second Street, Hudson.
Appointment of Election
Inspectors: Approve the appointment of Election
Inspectors for the period 1/1/2010 through 12/21/2011, submitted by the Democratic
and Republican parties, as follows:
|
Democratic Party
Appointments: |
||
|
Last Name: |
First Name |
Street Address: |
|
Blaha |
Jerry |
701 Evergreen Circle |
|
Brooks |
Martha |
909 Girard |
|
Bruch |
Elizabeth |
621 Hickory Rd |
|
Bruch |
Dan |
621 Hickory Rd |
|
Burkholder |
Barbara |
1315 Seventh St |
|
Carlson |
Carolyn |
1626 Hunter Hill Rd |
|
Dewitte |
Annette |
726 Wisconsin St |
|
Hachey |
Kathie |
1321 Hazelcrest Drive |
|
Hachey |
Mike |
1321 Hazelcrest Drive |
|
Haugo |
John |
1407 Croix Crest Dr |
|
Heck |
John |
2400 Foxglove Circle |
|
Henderson |
Patricia |
87 Deerwood Court |
|
Holste |
Nancy |
2400 Foxglove Circle |
|
Jewett |
Deane (Skip) |
605 Grandview Dr |
|
Jewett |
Joann |
605 Grandview Dr |
|
Kisling |
Lori |
927 Eighth St |
|
Langness |
Ron |
1422 Croix Crest Dr |
|
Langness |
Nancy |
1422 Croix Crest Dr |
|
Larson |
Kate |
827 Sixth St |
|
Leeson |
Heidi |
1310 Hazelcrest Dr |
|
Malecha |
Susan |
207 S 17th St |
|
McCombie |
Lavonne |
715 Wisconsin St |
|
McCuen |
Carolyn |
411 Mallalieu Dr |
|
Radermacher |
Beverly |
1702 Hunter Hill Rd |
|
Rodriguez |
Robert |
1602 Hunter Hill Rd |
|
Schultz |
Linda |
1712 Cudd Circle |
|
Shager |
Richard |
1706 Hunter Hill Rd |
|
Shager |
Kay |
1706 Hunter Hill Rd |
|
Shull Olmsted |
Miah |
508 Knollwood Drive |
|
Smith |
Penny |
1810 Willow Dr |
|
Tronsted |
Mike |
1907 Lupine Dr |
|
Vindal |
Lavetta |
923 Summer St |
|
Willi |
Paula |
1608 Stonepine Court |
|
Wyeth |
Priscilla |
611 Twelve Oaks Lane |
|
Republican Party Appointments: |
||
|
Last Name: |
First Name |
Street Address: |
|
Anderson |
Jean |
1327 Frear St |
|
Anderson |
Gordie |
1327 Frear St |
|
Bitterman |
Barbara |
1902 Hunter Hill Rd |
|
Ecker |
Pat |
231 S Twelfth St |
|
Horn |
Carol |
205 S 17th St |
|
Lau |
Mary |
1305 St. Croix Heights |
|
Mailloux |
Don |
1533 Laurel Ave |
|
Mailloux |
Judy |
1533 Laurel Ave |
|
Redner |
Tom |
714 Wisconsin St |
|
Redner |
Mary |
714 Wisconsin St |
|
Szyman |
Carol |
808 Twelfth St |
|
Waalen |
Don |
1405 Frear St |
|
Waalen |
June |
1405 Frear St |
|
Warning |
Lyle |
2003 Chestnut Dr |
REPORTS
OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, and COMMISSIONS: Place on file the
Quarterly Report of the Parks & Public Works Director, and the unapproved
St. Croix E.M.S. Commission minutes of 11/17/09 and the Community Access Board
minutes of 12/01/09.
Roll call vote: Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.
Final plat for Heritage
Cottages subdivision, 4 one-family and 11 two-family residential lots and 2
outlots west of Heritage Blvd., Heritage Greens planned residential development
– TV & H Properties/Nick Hackworthy: O’Malley recused himself. Denny Darnold explained the planned
residential development proposed by TV & H.
He stated that the Plan Commission recommended approvals of the final
plat with the conditions noted on the issue sheet. He provided information about the blanket
Storm Drainage Easement and the Stormwater Maintenance Agreement for lots 4, 5,
6, 8, 9, 10, and 11 as recommended by Staff, Plan Commission, and the City
Engineer.
MOTION by Morrissette, second by Brokaw to approve the
final plat for Heritage Cottages subdivision, 4 one-family and 11 two-family
residential lots and 2 outlots west of Heritage Blvd., Heritage Greens planned
residential development – TV & H Properties/Nick Hackworthy with the
following conditions:
·
If the plat is requested to be filed prior to the installation
and acceptance for the proposed street and utility improvements, that a Development Agreement be executed and
the provision of surety of 125% of the estimated costs for the improvements be
provided prior to the execution of the plat by the City of Hudson.
·
Require a general blanket storm drainage easement and
stormwater maintenance and irrigation agreement (recorded at the Register of
Deeds Office) to address the maintenance of the stormwater and irrigation
systems for lots 1 through 11. (The blanket
storm drainge easement and the stormwater maintenance agreement will fulfill
the drainage easement requirements for lots 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11.)
Mr. Paul
Gerrard indicated that he agreed to the conditions. All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED.
Conditional Use Permit by West
Lake Builders, Inc./Richard Grekoff for a 64-unit assisted living and memory
care housing project at 653, 655, 657 and 661 Ban Tara Lane, part of Section 32,
T29N, R19W, Town of Hudson (Extraterritorial Zoning Committee): Community
Development Director Denny Darnold stated the Extraterritorial Zoning Committee
considered information at their meeting on November 30, 2009, and a Public
Hearing was held. They recommended approval, with numerous conditions
verbalized by Mr. Darnold. MOTION by
Morrissette, second by Brokaw to postpone the request of West Lake Builders for
a Conditional Use Permit.
Information was shared about citizen concerns, the inability
for the project to be on the City water and sewer system, the concern about pharmaceuticals
passing through in human wastes and other disposal methods, and the proposed
septic system.
Morrissette recommended Mr. Darnold and Mr. Grekoff come
up with an agreement whereby the project could be on the City’s water and sewer
system. Lengthy discussion was held
regarding the current septic system plans, the handling of pharmaceuticals, and
who would be operating the facility. MOTION WITHDRAWN by Morrissette.
MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley to deny the
request for a Conditional Use Permit.
Additional discussion was held regarding the desire to have the project
on the City’s water/sewer system and testing.
Dick Stout, owner of the property, spoke regarding the design of the
septic system and the reporting requirements of the State. He noted it would not be a traditional
residential septic system. Mayor Knudson
provided background about not allowing property outside the City limits onto
the City’s water and sewer systems. Mr.
Darnold recommended postponing a decision until expert testimony could be heard
from the person who designed the septic system.
MOTION WITHDRAWN by Morrissette.
MOTION by Morrissette, second by Burchill to postpone
the topic (the request of West Lake Builders for a Conditional Use Permit for
an assisted living project at 653, 655, 657 and 661 Ban Tara Lane in the Town
of Hudson) until the first meeting in
January. Discussion was held regarding
the need to make sure they are ready to make a presentation by that meeting
date. Ayes (5), Bernard voted No. MOTION CARRIED.
Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Morrissettee recused
himself. MOTION by Burchill, second by
O’Malley to approve the issuance of Regular Operator’s Licenses for the period 12/8/2009
to 6/30/2011 to:
Joseph
G. Eck 237 Broadway St. River Falls, WI
Chadwick
R. Moe 317 Day Farm Road Hudson, WI
Patsy
A. Peltier 14871 58th
St. N. Unit 1-F Oak Park Heights, MN
Randy
L. Spring 2245 Floral Drive White Bear Lake, MN
All
ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION by
O’Malley, second by Bernard to deny the application for an Operator’s License
to Karis M. Steenberg, 359 Baer Drive, Hudson, as recommended by Police Chief
Jensen, due to recent alcohol related offenses. All ayes (5) MOTION CARRIED.
Consider ordering two Ford squad cars
for Police Dept: Mayor Knudson stated that the
Finance Committee recommended ordering two Ford squad cars for the Police
Department from Hudson Ford, who had the lowest quote, including delivery. MOTION by Burchill, second by O’Malley to
purchase two 2010 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor squad cars from Hudson Ford
for $22,532 each, for a total of $45,064.
All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.
Finance Officer’s monthly report: Finance Officer Betty Caruso provided a handout that
included financial data through October 31, 2009. She noted there were currently no major
budget concerns; some amendments were needed regarding the Public Works Leaf
Collection Program, and budgets were tight.
Ms.
Caruso called attention to the short term financing amount of $250,000 and
reported $96,000 was remaining. Information
was shared about the portion used.
Investments and interest were reviewed.
She stated he year-end cut off was expected to be clean, and property tax
statements should be mailed next week.
Public
Works request to purchase 2010 tandem dump truck, box and plow: Mayor
Knudson reported that staff and the Finance Committee recommended approval of
the purchase, and noted the truck was requested in the budget in previous years,
but had been postponed. He stated the
Finance Committee included it as part of the tentative Capital Outlay budget
for 2010. Additional information was
shared regarding the opportunity to purchase a 2010 truck prior to the new
diesel truck emission standards going into effect, changes in the 2011 models, the
City’s current fleet, and financing considerations. The quotes received were reviewed.
MOTION by O’Malley, second by Burchill to approve the
purchase of the 2010 tandem dump truck from International Truck for $97,970,
plus the purchase of the body, box, plow and equipment from Universal Equipment
for $87,000. Discussion included
information that the truck being replaced would be used as a spare, as long as no
major repair work was needed on it. All
ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.
Recommendation
for Assessor/Assistant Building Inspector position: Mayor Knudson stated the
Finance Committee recommended hiring Mike Wallace as the part-time
Assessor/Assistant Building Inspector.
He noted the position was advertised, applications were accepted (three
were received), and Mr. Wallace was the most qualified. Discussion was held concerning the amount
budgeted for the position; if more than 350 hours are required, the City
Administrator would bring the item back for Council consideration. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to hire
Mike Wallace as part-time Assessor/Assistant Building Inspector for up to 350
hours in 2010 at $30.00 per hour. All
ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.
Consider approval of Nov. 10th School District
resolution re: Crossing
Guards: MOTION by O’Malley, second
by Wyland to approve the November 10th School District resolution
regarding Crossing Guards. Discussion included information from Police Chief
Jensen and City Attorney Munkittrick that additional language should be
included as part of the resolution, or approve with the condition that crossing
only being allowed at certain locations in the City, that there be designated, signed,
cross-walks, that the School District shall notify the City in advance
regarding where it proposed to locate the crossing guards, and that training of
the adult crossing guards was required and the responsibility of the School District.
Discussion
was held regarding the need to make the motion conditional on the School
District incorporating the additional language in a signed Memorandum of Understanding,
approved by the School District. MOTION
AMENDED by O’Malley, and seconded by Wyland to incorporate additional language
in a Memorandum of Understanding to the original (School District) resolution,
which could be approved and signed by the School District and brought back to the
Council again. All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.
Reapproval of Lease Agreement with Hudson Area Joint Library
for space
at 700 First Street:
Mayor Knudson
suggested discussing the Lease Agreement before considering purchase of the
property and the resolution for financing. He noted some recent changes
were made to the Lease Agreement by the Joint Library Board: two minor, one
“non-starter”, and one item that needed some additional language changes.
He outlined the process he felt would be comfortable regarding the changes, and
in obtaining approval and signatures from the Joint Library Board.
The
changes discussed included the request that the current Council bind future Councils
in their ability to pass ordinances. The Mayor and City Attorney felt that was
not acceptable and was removed. Additional information was shared
regarding the language changes made in the insurance section of the
agreement. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to approve the Lease Agreement
with the Hudson Area Joint Library Board, as amended. All ayes (6) MOTION
CARRIED.
Resolution
No. 19-09 re: interim financing for City purchase of buildings at 700 First
Street and 701 Second Street: Information was shared regarding funding
for the purchase. The public’s desire to move the library to the NMC
building without raising taxes was noted. Mayor Knudson provided a
detailed explanation about the source of funds for the $2,500,000 cost to buy
the building.
Lengthy
discussion was held regarding remodeling costs for the Library and the Police
Department. Mayor Knudson noted the Library organization would be
responsible to make their own leasehold improvements and to fund them. He
called attention to the possible use of Impact Fee funds for improvements, as
well. He recommended a formal vote be taken on that matter at a later
time. Attorney Munkittrick noted that
the use of Impact Fees was already included in the Library’s Lease Agreement,
and another vote would not be needed.
Police
Chief Marty Jensen presented information regarding the Police Department’s
space needs, cost estimates, desire to move there, and the need to stay within
the $200,000 renovation budget amount. It was noted that his memo
included an estimated cost of $300,000 to $350,000 for remodeling; he responded
that they could live within the $200,000 budget amount, but requested an
additional amount in 2011.
Discussion
was held regarding the use of the building at 701 Second St. Mayor
Knudson pointed out Community Action was interested in the location, but
Community Access TV was not. Mayor Knudson presented possible options for
renting the building and the amount of rent needed to cover expenses.
Additional discussion was held regarding the desire to reduce costs at the 911
Fourth Street building as soon as possible.
The former
NMC Building issues including proposed maintenance, information technology,
Honeywell’s Building Systems Estimate report, and Bonestroo’s Condition
Assessment report were discussed. Lengthy discussion was held regarding
necessary repairs, obtaining repair cost estimates, and testing the
generator. Bonestroo Engineer Chuck Schwartz spoke on behalf of his
co-worker, Bruce Paulson, and stated it was his understanding that there were
no “red flags” regarding the condition of the property and that the recommended
repairs would probably not take long to fix. Mayor Knudson stated a
special meeting could be held, if needed, before a decision was made.
MOTION by
O’Malley second by Morrissette, to suspend the rules toward adoption of
Resolution No. 19-09. Roll Call Vote taken, ayes (6), MOTION
CARRIED. MOTION by O’Malley, second by
Wyland, to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION NO. 19-09
INTERIM FINANCING FOR
PURCHASE OF PROPERTY AT
700 FIRST STREET AND 701
SECOND STREET
(Copy on file in Clerk’s
office)
Ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.
Consider authorization to execute documents for purchase of
property at 700 First Street and 701 Second Street: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Wyland to authorize
the appropriate personnel to execute documents for the purchase of the two
properties at 700 First Street and 701 Second Street. MOTION AMENDED, and
seconded to include that the purchase be contingent on the execution of the
Lease Agreement by the Joint Library Board.
Concerns
were raised regarding not having enough information about renovation cost
estimates, and having power maintained at the building. O’Malley also
raised the question of verifying that the generator works.
MOTION
AMENDED by O’Malley, seconded by Wyland to also include the purchase be
contingent on any title problems being resolved. MOTION AMENDED by
O’Malley to include that the purchase also be contingent on confirming that the
generator works. Discussion was held regarding if the generator was found
not to work, would purchase of the building still be desired. MOTION
AMENDMENT did not receive a second and was WITHDRAWN by O’Malley.
MOTION
(RE-STATED) by O’Malley, seconded by Wyland to authorize the Mayor and City
Administrator to execute documents for the purchase of the two properties, (700
First Street and 701 Second Street), including the parcel of land between them,
subject to the conditions of satisfactory resolution of the title objections,
and obtaining a signed Lease Agreement from the Joint Library Board.
Bernard requested
discussion of the public comments that were heard during the Public
Hearing. She reminded that if the topic was to go to an advisory
referendum, it would only be a City-wide referendum. She reported that
the area municipalities involved are able to address the Joint Library Board
about signing a Lease Agreement for the 700 First Street property, and noted the
importance of budgeting. Mayor Knudson stated the Library’s major expense
was for personnel; he noted they have been getting a good deal on janitorial
services.
Mayor
Knudson addressed comments made in the Public Hearing by stating that the
current plan was not the same as when the Joint Library Board made their
proposal to purchase the property. He reported the only thing that was
the same was the address. He also warned the Library Board to look
closely at whether they could afford it. Additional information was
shared regarding per capita fees, fund raising, the County Library system, and
the difference between the Hudson library and the River Falls
library. Mayor Knudson also pointed out that if the purchase was
not completed, the Police Department would likely stay where they are. Limited remodeling would be required in order
for the Police Department to move in (to 700 First Street), and an advisory referendum
was not needed since there was no tax increase. Roll call vote taken, All ayes (6), MOTION
CARRIED.
Request of Badger Housing Associates VI LLC to release part
of the drainage and utility easement between lots 24 and 25, St. Croix Business
Park First Addition, to allow the
easterly expansion of the State office building: Denny Darnold shared information and recommended
approving the release of part of the drainage and utility easement between lots
24 and 25. Additional details were
shared regarding ownership of the properties, the release of the Easement
Agreement, and location of the easement area.
The documents have been reviewed by the City Attorney and their
Corporate Counsel. Mr. Darnold
highlighted that the release should only be signed if the expansion project
moved forward. MOTION by O’Malley,
second by Burchill to approve signing of the release, as drafted, with the
condition that there is sufficient knowledge that the expansion project for the
State Office Building will move forward.
All ayes (6) MOTION CARRIED.
Consider amendment to Lease Agreement with Community Access
TV for space in lower level of Municipal Building, 911 Fourth Street: Mayor Knudson announced the intent of the amendment
to the lease agreement with the Community Access TV was to give them six months
to find other studio space after moving out of the 911 Fourth Street
building. MOTION by O’Malley, second by
Wyland to approve the Addendum to the Lease Agreement with Community Access TV
until June 30, 2010. Discussion was held
regarding the property being sold, and that other locations were already being
considered. Burchill was concerned that
it might delay a possible sale of the 911 Fourth Street property. All ayes (5); Burchill voted No. MOTION
CARRIED.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR
FUTURE AGENDAS: O’Malley requested the topic of downtown
parking spaces, their value, and the Public Safety building parking lot
(Williams Lot) be discussed at a future meeting.
ADJOURN: MOTION by O’Malley, second by Bernard to
adjourn. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED
at 9:59 p.m.
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 set forth therein.
Dean Knudson, Mayor