CITY OF HUDSON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2006

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 Randy Morrissette, Dennis O’Connell, Paul Radermacher, Lee Wyland, Scot O’Malley and Carah Koch.

OTHERS PRESENT: Devin Willi, Catherine Munkittrick, Dennis Darnold, Mike Wallace, Betty Caruso, Jim Eulberg, Angela Popenhagen, Gordon Conard, Sean Lentz, Brian Reilly, Mary Martin, Ruth Peterson, Kim Heinemann, Hugh H. Gwin, Dean Knudson, Priscilla Wyeth, Jim Frye, Don Gilbert, Paul Larson, Pat Casanova, and others.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS PRESENT: Mayor Breault called for comments and suggestions from citizens present three times; none were given.

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

MINUTES: Approve the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting minutes of 12/04/06.

Claims: Approve the following claims for payment:

FUND	DESCRIPTION	PAYABLES	PAYROLL	TOTALS
100	General	426,591.20	111,416.66	538,007.86
280	Park Donations	35,381.50	0.00	35,381.50
450	Capital Projects	68,767.52	0.00	68,767.52
610	Sewer	33,377.01	9,930.47	43,307.48
620	Parking Utility	437.09	762.70	1,199.79
630	Ambulance	12,197.79	8,498.15	20,695.94
	TOTALS	576,806.11	130,607.98	707,414.09

Applications for Operator’s Licenses: Approve the issuance of a regular Operator’s License for the period 12/19/06 through 6/30/08 to: Jerrolyn D. Berg, 611 Quinnell Ave N., Lakeland, , MN .

Consider denying the request of Bieneman Farms Townhomes for parking restrictions on Albert Street at Holly Curve: Deny the request of Bieneman Farms Townhomes for parking restrictions on Albert Street at Holly Curve.

Request for parking restrictions at the south end of Redwood Drive: Approve the installation of “No Parking” signs at the south end of Redwood Drive.

Appointment of Election Inspectors for 2007: Appoint the Election Inspectors for the City of Hudson for the year 2007, submitted by the political parties as follows:

For the Democratic Party:

Angela Allington, 1407 Hazelcrest Drive

Patricia Bakken, 425 Division Street

Roland Becker, 1602 Aldrich Avenue

Martha Brooks, 919 Girard Street

Dan Bruch, 621 Hickory Road

Elizabeth Bruch, 621 Hickory Road

Carolyn Carlson, 1626 Hunter Hill Road

Debbie Dettman, 1335 Heggen Street

Donald Gilbertson, 1402 Third Street

Kathleen Hachey, 1321 Hazelcrest Drive

Michael Hachey, 1321 Hazelcrest Drive

John Haugo, 1407 Croix Crest Drive

Deane Jewett, 605 Grandview Drive

Joanne Jewett, 605 Grandview Drive

Lori Kisling, 927 Eighth Street

Karen Klyczek, 1321 Fourth Street

Clark Leeson, 1310 Hazelcrest Drive

Heidi Leeson, 1310 Hazelcrest Drive

Mary Bernardene Luebke, 915 St. Croix Street

LaVonne McCombie, 715 Wisconsin Street

Carol McCuen, 411 Mallalieu Drive

Joan Nelson-Bushman, 1303 St. Croix Heights

Debra Paulaha, 912 Twelfth Street

Dennis Paulaha, 912 Twelfth Street

Beverly Radermacher, 1702 Hunter Hill Road

James Schreiber, 1321 Fourth Street

Neala Kay Shager, 1706 Hunter Hill Road

Arla Timbers, 625 Grandview Drive

Robert Timbers, 625 Grandview Drive

Mary Viebrock, 1415 Hazelcrest Drive

Robert Viebrock, 1415 Hazelcrest Drive

Lavetta Vindal, 923 Summer Street

Paula Willi, 1608 Stonepine Court

Priscilla Wyeth, 611 Twelve Oaks Lane

For the Republican Party:

Carolyn Ahrens, 641 Proehl’s Trail

Don Anderson, 1019 Kinnickinnic

Jean Anderson, 1327 Frear Street

Karen Bailey, 1601 Chestnut Drive

Marie Baird, 601 Spruce Drive

Harv Baird, 601 Spruce Drive

Esther Botting, 2221 Hanley Place, #316

Willetta Breault, 401 Mallalieu Drive

Pam Brokaw, 1813 Albert Street

Jan Buegge, 1314 Seventh Street

Patti Cardenas, 1820 River Ridge Road, #4

Joan Christopher, 1332 Third Street

Pat Ecker, 231 S. Twelfth Street

Lucille Gearhart, 1300 D Carriage Drive

Ida Hahn, 1608 Aldrich Avenue

Susan Haider, 78 Meadowlark Drive

Marilyn Henderson, 626 Hickory Road

Gloria Keller, 1328 Laurel Avenue

Judith Kelly, 1704 Chestnut Drive

Gail Kotoski, 1123 Fourth Street

Mary Lau, 1305 St. Croix Heights

Elizabeth McCormick, 1123 Briarwood Court

Donald Mailoux, 1533 Laurel Avenue

Judy Mailoux, 1533 Laurel Avenue

Mary Martin, 1416 Wheatgrass

Pat Mechelke, 112 Hoyt Street

Donna Mueller, 612 Hickory Road

Mary Redner, 714 Wisconsin Street

Muriel Rollheiser, 109 South 17^th Street

Joy Schlicting, 1753 Laurel Avenue

Marya Smith, 508 Grandview Drive

Carolyn Szyman, 808 Twelfth Street

Delores Taavola, 1111 Briarwood Court

Jeff Tersteeg, 2323 White Oak Court

Jean Troyer, 1721 Hunter Hill Road

June Waalen, 1405 Frear Street

Lyle Warning, 2003 Chestnut Drive

Suzanne Wilson, 809 Oak Street

Harold Zieman, 1307 Heggen Street

Ruth Zieman, 1307 Heggen Street

REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS: Place on file the Assessor’s Annual Report, the Library Board minutes of 11/13/06, and the Public Utility Commission minutes of 12/12/06.

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

Resolution No. 14-06 re: discontinuance and vacation of portions of Myrtle Street: Denny Darnold stated that the Plan Commission, Public Safety Committee and the Park Board recommended that the City discontinue the north 18 feet of the east 140 feet of Myrtle Street and the south 18 feet of the east 150 feet of Myrtle Street, both west of First Street. He pointed out that the City would retain the middle 30 feet for future use for storm water utility improvements and/or pathway improvements connecting First Street to the City’s river pathway.

Mr. Darnold also noted that the first reading of the Resolution occurred on October 16, 2006. Attorney Munkittrick reported that a Lis Pendens was filed.

MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to approve the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 14-06

VACATION AND DISCONTINUANCE OF A PORTION OF MYRTLE STREET

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

All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

CONSIDER ORDERING TWO POLICE DEPARTMENT SQUAD CARS FOR DELIVERY IN 2007: Mayor Breault announced that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the purchase of two Police Department squad cars, for delivery in 2007. MOTION by O’Malley, second by O’Connell, to approve the purchase of two Ford Crown Victoria squad cars from Ewald Automotive Group (Ewald Chev), at a total cost of $40,354 including shipping. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

2007 ASSESSMENT MAINTENANCE CONTRACT WITH APPRAISAL SERVICE: Mayor Breault reported that the Finance Committee recommended approval of the 2007 appraisal service contract with Bowmar Appraisal. MOTION by Radermacher, second by O’Malley, to approve the 2007 Assessment Maintenance Contract with Bowmar Appraisal Inc. in the amount of $20,500. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Approval of Hot Air Affair parade and event Feb. 2, 3 and 4, 2007: Ruth Peterson, representing the Hot Air Affair, stated that the annual event would be held February 2, 3 and 4^th. She explained that it was difficult to determine the number of people in any one of the three event locations at any one time, and stated that they believed it would be fewer than 1,000 persons. Ms. Peterson also noted concern for the requirement of insurance coverage. Attorney Munkittrick explained the ordinance regarding insurance requirements for special events and noted that there was a provision for the City to adjust the requirements. Discussion was held regarding the need for a Special Event Permit. It was noted that attendance would have to be assessed on a yearly basis to determine the need for the permit.

MOTION by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to approve the Hot Air Affair event for February 2^nd through 4^th, 2007 at the E.P. Rock school grounds. MOTION AMENDED by Morrissette, second by O’Malley, to include the parade to be held February 2^nd on Second Street between Vine and Commercial Streets. In discussion, it was reported that the event has been held for the past 18 years. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider issuance of $241,500 G.O. Promissory Notes as short-term debt for Capital Outlay – Resolution No. 15-06: motion by Radermacher, second by O’Connell, to approve the following:

RESOLUTION NO. 15-06

ISSUANCE OF $245,000 G.O. PROMISSORY NOTES FOR CAPITAL OUTLAY

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

All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Vine Street/Diamond Drive intersection: wyland shared information regarding the Public Safety Committee’s recommendations for the Diamond Drive and Vine Street intersection. He stated that the traffic study indicated there was no need for a stop sign at the intersection. He explained that a safer intersection was desired and speed was a problem. Recommendations included the use of electronic speed signs, a left turn-lane to the YMCA, a guard rail, flags for pedestrians, and a raised table type of crosswalk. Mayor Breault shared information that he and Public Works staff had tried the crosswalk flag system in Bayport, MN with much success.

Discussion was held regarding the possibility of changing the speed limit on Vine Street. MOTION by O’Malley, second by Radermacher, to authorize Administrator Willi to explore the costs for two electronic signs, crosswalk flags, median strip posts filled with concrete, and domes. Discussion included information from Priscilla Wyeth regarding speeding on Vine Street and turning into the YMCA driveway. Mayor Breault noted there were two recommendations from experts indicating that no stop sign was needed at the intersection. Pat Casanova requested that a street light also be considered. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Presentation by Sean Lentz of Ehlers & Associates – Tax Increment District #4 and Financial Planning: sean Lentz, of Ehlers and Associates, presented information regarding the review and impact of coordinating the timing for potential infrastructure needs with the closing of Tax Increment District No. 4. He explained the purpose and the impact of closing TID #4 and stated that it could be used until 2017, with a maximum life until 2022. Mr. Lentz noted the need to coordinate the TID closing with the City’s financial plan to maintain a constant mill rate. Fund Balance use and planning ahead correctly were emphasized.

Capital Projects and funding sources: Finance Officer Betty Caruso summarized the 2007 funding of Capital Outlay. She stated that the projects for 2007 were based on the request from the Departments. She explained which projects could be funded by bonds and which would need to be funded by other methods. Ms. Caruso also discussed the remaining funds from 2005 due to the delay in the Walnut Street Bridge Project; of the $345,000 bonded for the project, more than $200,000 is left. She also explained the excess funds from the Lakefront Wall Expansion Project.

Additional information was provided regarding the remaining funds from the 2005 bond issue, and that $291,000 was available. Ms. Caruso explained that Capital Outlay was over budget by $25,182. She noted that the Finance Committee determined that additional mill and overlay work needs to be done in 2007 and they recommended increasing the project from $80,000 to $160,000. A budget adjustment would need to be made to cover the project costs.

Ms. Caruso reported that the net funds available (after including the unfunded projects) were $155,632. MOTION by Radermacher, second by Morrissette, to approve the 2007 Capital Projects in the amount of $1.91 million funded by bonds as presented, and to fund additional unfunded projects of Nye/Aldrich Storm Sewer at $12,075, the 4^th/5^th Street/Vine/Elm Storm Sewer Project for $12,985, computer upgrades of $60,000 (and increase the Contingency Fund Budget for 2007 for the General Fund portion of the computers that was paid through general taxes, approximately $20,000 to $24,000), and the Comprehensive Plan at $25,000, leaving net funds available of $155,632. MOTION AMENDED by Radermacher, second by Morrissette to include increasing the Mill and Overlay Project by an additional $80,000.

During discussion, it was questioned whether money was available in the budget for the Vine Street/Diamond Drive intersection. It was noted that funds could be used from the Contingency Fund. All ayes (6), MOTION CARRIED.

Consider extension of water and sewer line to end of Walnut Street/Dike Road: bra Engineer Angela Popenhagen reported that the estimated cost to extend water and sewer service to the end of the dike road was approximately $145,000, including the engineering charges. MOTION by Morrissette, second by Radermacher, to approve allocating funds from the remaining 2005 Capital Projects balance of $145,000 to pay for extending the water and sewer line to the end of Walnut Street/Dike Road.

Rotary Club member Dean Knudson spoke about the Rotary Club’s service project. He noted the organization’s commitment to the Riverwalk Project. He also cited the historical uniqueness of the area. Pat Casanova, Rotary Club member and Park Board member, cited the need for the facilities. Discussion was held concerning sewer service versus a holding tank, as well as vandalism problems. Kim Heinemann, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, stated she supported the project and recommended approval. Park Board Chairman Don Gilbert thanked the Council for the bond issues to improve the parks in the past few years. He requested that Park projects which came in under budget should have their balances used to fund the water and sewer service project.

Lengthy discussion was held concerning funding the project, vandalism, and the water and sewer pipes. O’Malley pointed out liability to the City if an exposure problem occurred. Possible solutions to deter vandalism were discussed. Mayor Breault stated there might be a need for the Rotary Clubs to contribute additional funds for security in the future.

Additional comments were given concerning the benefits for families and the community. Vote taken Ayes (4); O’Malley and O’Connell voted No. MOTION CARRIED.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS: Mayor Breault reported that Congressman Ron Kind’s office would not be allocating any funds that were requested by the City. Kim Heinemann asked Congressman Kind’s office that the determination be made in writing.

Mayor Breault noted letters were received from some of the rental occupants at 911 Fourth Street, requesting that the rent amounts be decreased. He said letters would be sent denying those requests. He also noted that the property tax statements would be mailed out in a few days.

Administrator Willi stated that the total tax rate would be $13.90 per $1,000 of valuation.

Mayor Breault thanked Denny Darnold for securing a $10,000 donation from Xcel Energy for the City’s Comprehensive Plan Project.

MOTION by Radermacher, second by Wyland, to adjourn at 8:59 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